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A GAZETTEER OF ILLINOIS. 



GAZETTEER OF ILLINOIS, 



IN 



THREE PARTS: 



CONTAINING 



A GENERAL VIEW OF THE STATE, A GENERAL 
VIEW OF EACH COUNTY, y 



AND 



A PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION OF EACH TOWN, SETTLE- 
MENT, STREAM, PRAIRIE, BOTTOM, BLUFF, 
ETC.; ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED. 



v.-^ .-.« 



^ 



BY J. M. PECK, A.M. 

AUTHOR OF A NEW GUIDE FOR EMIGRANTS, ETC. 



ENTIRELY REVISED, CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED. 




PHILADELPHIA: 

GRIGG & ELLIOT, 9 NORTH FOURTH STREET. 

1837. 



Enterkd according to the act of congress, in the year 1834, by J. M. 
I'eck, in the clerk's office of the district court of Illinois. 



T. K. & P. G. COLLINS, PHINTEllS, 1 LODGE ALL£i^. 



iK" 



INTRODUCTION. 

The utility and importance of an accurate Gazet- 
teer of Illinois to every class of citizens within the 
state, and to rdl other persons who desire full and par- 
ticular information, are too obvious to need proof. 

The first edition of this work was undertaken by 
the author more than four years since, at the sugges- 
tion and request of many of his fellow citizens, some 
of whom filled distinguished posts of honor in the 
state and nation. Four thousand two hundred copies 
of it were published by R, Goudy of Jacksonville, 
Illinois, a due proportion of which were sent to other 
states, and have been extensively circulated. 

In complying with the call for a new edition, it 
became necessary to make an entire revision of the 
work and add much new matter — so rapid had been 
the changes and the progress of this state in three 
years. Ten new counties have been organised — 



VI INTRODUCTION. 

Boone, Cass, Kane, Livingston, McHeury, O^le, 
Stephenson, Whiteside, AVill, and Winnebago — and 
a large addition to the descriptive list of names in 
part third. 

No state in the " Great West" has attracted so 
much attention, and elicited so many enquiries from 
those who desire to avail themselves of the advantages 
of a settlement in a new and rising country, as that of 
Illinois; and none is filling up so rapidl}^ with an emi- 
grating population from all parts of the United States, 
and several kingdoms of Europe. Consequently, the 
call for correct information of all portions of the state 
has become pressing. 

In ])reparing this work wiih special reference to 
to liiis call, the author has kept one point constantly 
in view. Accuracy of description, or a registry of 
facts and things as they actually exist in every part of 
the state, has been a paramount object. How far he 
has succeeded will be submitted to the judgment of 
his fellow citizens in each county. That no imper- 
fections or inaccuracies exist in the work, the author 
is not vain enough to imagine; but that as a whole, 
or as to its parts, it is sufficiently accurate for all use- 



INTRODUCTION. Vll 

ful purposes, will appear on reference to the labor 
bestowed to obtain correct inlbrmatioa of every spot 
he attempts to describe. 

To the facts and observations of many years' resi- 
dence in the state, and traveling in all the older settle- 
ments, of which record was made for his own use, 
and that of his immediate friends, may be added the 
following facilities for gaining correct topographical 
and historical information. 

In the winter of 1832, '33, die author spent several 
weeks at Vandalia, during the session of the iec^isla- 
ture, where the principal part of the work was writ- 
ten. Access was had through the polite attention of 
the governor, secretar}' of state, auditor, and other 
public officers, to ail the public documents, state re- 
cords, and journals. Both houses of ilie legislamre, 
with equal liberality, granted a copy of the laws and 
journals of that body, and likewise, (if duplicates ex- 
isted,) copies of all preceding laws, journals, and 
printed documents, of ihe territorial and state govern- 
ments. These were carefully examined, and from 
them much valuable information obtained. 



Vm INTRODUCTION. 

Personal intercourse was also had with the members 
of the legislature and other gentlemen, from each 
county, and from that source many of the facts in the 
general description of the counties in Part Second, and 
the particulars of each place in Part Third, were ob- 
tained. The course of the author was, to spend two 
or three hours each evening with gentlemen from a 
county, who were well acquainted with every part, 
and write a brief sketch of the same. 

These were drawn off in proper order the next day, 
and, in many instances, submitted to the same persons 
for inspection and revision. All the items for one coun- 
ty were thus finished before entering upon a survey 
of another. 

By this method, no creek, prairie, or settlement, 
known by name amongst the people, would escape 
notice, and accuracy of description would be attained. 

These accounts were then collated with the state- 
ments received from other sources, and from the au- 
thor's own notes of observation. 

The same mode, including a more extensive cor- 
respondence with postmasters, and other gentlemen 
of intelligence in every county, has been pursued, to- 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

gether with a large stock of information gained while 
compiling with another gentleman, a " New Section- 
al Map of Illinois,''^ published in New-York by J. 
H. Colton. 

No small pains have been taken to obtain the latest 
information, especially from the recently organised 
counties in the north, where new settlements are made 
every month, and villages spring up as the growth of 
a summer. Still, some settlements, planted within 
the present year, may not have come to the author's 
knowledge. 

It would be rather invidious to name individuals 
from whom the author has received aid in this work, 
and to whom he is desirous of returning his humble 
and grateful acknowledgements. To the officers of 
state, the members of the legislature, postmasters, and 
other citizens, his thanks are due. Much of the real 
value of the work is from information they imparted, 
or from documents and records over which they had 
legal control. 

The Appendix of the former volume containing a 
brief Gazetteer of the Wisconsin Territory has been 
left out of this work. That territory, having an orga- 



X INTRODUCTION. 

nised government, and a great increase of its popula- 
tion, counties, settlements, etc. should have a Gazet- 
teer of its own. For this purpose the author is aiming 
to collect materials. 

It has caused the author no small trouble to decide 
upon the orthography of proper names. Many of 
those found in this work have never been published to 
any extent, so as to become settled in orthography. 
In offering new names to the public it is desirable the 
spelling should conform to the pronunciation. While 
the author does not feel authorised to make innova- 
tions upon established usages, he is willing to contri- 
bute his humble mite to improve the orthography of 
the language, where custom has not fixed it. 

Many aboriginal names in the west were first writ- 
ten in French, and after by persons of very inferior 
literary attainments. Some of these have already un- 
dero^one chans^es. Thus we have Wabash for Ou- 
bache, — Washitau for Ouchitta: and for similar rea- 
sons we ought to write Wisconsin for Ouisconsin, — 
Mackinau for Michilimacinac, — Merodosia for Ma- 
rais d'Ogee, etc. 

Such aboriginal names as have notbeen printed, the 



INTRODUCTION. xi 

author has spelled according to the pronunciation, and 
for the correctness of this he has relied upon informa- 
tion of persons accustomed to hear the sounds ex- 
pressed by natives. 

After all, several discrepancies will be discovered 
in different parts of the work. 

In such names as have the French or broad sound of 
a, he has preferred the termination of au to aw. The 
exceptions are in Wabash and a few others, where the 
a is sanctioned by custom, and the sound generally 
understood. 

Rock Spring, {Illinois,) May, 1837. 



PART FIRST. 

GENERAL VIEW OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 



Situation, Boundaries and Extent. — Face of the Country, and 
Qualities of Soil. — Rivers and Lakes. — Mineral, Animal, and 
Vegetable Productions. — Manufactures. — Xatural Curiosities, 
and Antiquities. — Climateand Health. — Civil Divisions. — Gov- 
ernment. — Education. Religious Denominations. Public 

Lands. — Plans of Internal Improvement. — History. — Miscel- 
laneous Remarks. 



SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

The State of Illinois is situated between 37 and 42 
degrees, 30 minutes, north latitude, and between 10 de- 
grees, 25 minutes, and 14 degrees, 30 minutes, west 
longitude from Washington city. It is bounded on the 
north by Wisconsin territory, north east by Lake Mi- 
chigan, east by Indiana, soutli east and south by Kentucky, 
and west by the state of Missouri, and Territory of 
Wisconsin. 

Its extreme length is 380 miles, and its extreme width, 
220 miles; — its average width, 150 miles. The area of 
the whole state, including the portion of lake Michigan 
within its boundaries, is 59,300 square miles. 

This result has been obtained after a careful estimate 
of the surveyed portions in the land districts, and calcu- 
lating the remainder by its medium length and breadth. 
1 



2 A GAZETTEER 

The exact length of its northern portion is now ascer- 
tained from the continuation of the fourth principal 
meridian, from the vicinity of Rock river to the north- 
ern boundary. The exact length of the northern bound- 
ary from the Mississippi at the northwestern corner of 
the state, to lake Michigan, is 144 1-3 miles. The eastern 
boundary leaves the Wabash river at a point about 60 
miles north of Vincennes, and continues due north to 
the northern boundary of Indiana. The northern boundary 
line extends into the middle of lake Michigan. 

The act of Congress authorising the people of Illinois 
to form a state government, and the convention in framing 
the constitution, described the following as the boundaries 
of the state. 

" Beginning at the mouth of the Wabash river, thence 
np the same, and with the line of Indiana, to the north 
western corner of said stale; thence east with the line of 
tha same state., to the middle of lake Michigan; thence north 
along the middle of said lake, to north latitude 42 degrees 
and 30 minutes; thence west to the middle of the Mis- 
sissippi river; and thence down along the middle of that 
river to its confluence with the Ohio river; and thence 
up the latter river along its northwestern shore to the 
beginning." 

Within these described boundaries, allowing for the 
curves of the rivers, are not less than 59,300 square miles 
or 37,952,000 acres. 

The water area of the state is computed at 3,750 square 
miles as follows: 

Square Miles. 

Lake Michigan 2,750 

One half of the Mississippi, for 700 miles, in- 
cluding its meanderings, at the ordinary 

stage of water 350 

Half of the Wabash river 60 

Estimates for small lakes, ponds, and rivers 

within the state COO 

3.750 



OF ILLINOIS. 



With tliis deduct 5,550 square miles for irreclaimable 
wastes, and there is left, in Illinois, 50,000 square miles 
or 32 millions of acres of arable land. In this estimate, 
inundated lands, submerged by high waters, but which 
may be reclaimed at a moderate expense are included. 



FACE OF THE COUNTRY, AND QUALITIES OF SOIL. 

The general surface is level, or moderately undu- 
lating, the northern and southern portions are broken, 
and somewhat hilly, but no portion of the state is tra- 
versed with ranges of hills or mountains. At the verge 
of the alluvial soil on the margins of rivers, there are 
ranges of " bluffs" intersected with ravines. The bluff's 
are usually from fifty to one hundred and fifty feet high, 
where an extended surface of table land commences, 
covered with prairies and forest of various shapes and 
sizes. 

When examined minutely, there are several varieties 
in the surface of this state which will be briefly specified 
and described. 

1. Inundated Lands. I apply this term to all those 
portions, whi(;h, for some part of the year, are under 
water. These include portions of the river bottoms, and 
portions of the interior of large prairies, with the lakes 
and ponds which, for half the year or more, are without 
water. The term " bottom" is used througtj^out the west 
to denote the alluvial soil on the margin of rivers, usually 
called " intervals," in New England. Portions of this 
description of land are flowed for a longer or shorter 
period, when the rivers are full. Probably one tenth of 
the bottom lands are of this description; for though the 
water may not stand for any length of time, it prevents 
settlement and cultivation, though it does not interrupt the 
growth of timber and vegetation. These tracts are on 
the bottoms of the Wabash, Ohio, Mississippi, Illinois, 
and all the interior rivers. 

When the rivers rise above their ordinary height, the 



4 A GAZETTEER 

waters of the smaller streams which are backed up by 
the freshets of the former, break over their banks, and 
cover all the low grounds. Here they stand for a few 
days, or for many weeks, especially towards the bluffs; 
for it is a striking fact in the geology of the western 
country, that all the river bottoms are higher on the 
margins of the streams than at some distance back. 
Whenever increase of population shall create a demand 
for this species of soil, the most of it can be reclaimed 
at comparatively small expense. Its fertility will be 
inexhaustible, and if the waters from the rivers could be 
shut out by dykes or levees, the soil would be perfectly 
dry. Most of the small lakes on the American bottom 
disappear in the summer, and leave a deposit of vegetable 
matter undergoing decomposition, or a luxuriant coat of 
weeds and grass. 

As our prairies mostly lie between the streams that drain 
the country, the interior of the large ones is usually level. 
Here are formed small ponds and lakes after the winter 
and spring rains, which remain to be drawn off by evapo- 
ration, or absorbed by the soil. Hence the middle of our 
large, level prairies are wet, and for several weeks por- 
tions of them are covered with water. To remedy this 
inconvenience completely, and render all this portion of 
soil dry and productive, only requires a ditch or drain of 
two or three feet deep to be cut into the nearest ravine. 
In many instances a single furrow with the plough, would 
drain many acres. At present this species of inundated 
land offers no inconvenience to the people, except in the 
production of miasm, and even that, perhaps, becomes too 
much diluted whh the atmosphere to produce mischief 
before it reaches the settlements on the borders of the 
prairie. Hence the inference is correct that our inunda- 
ted lands present fewer obstacles to the settlement and 
growth of the country, and can be reclaimed at much 
less expense, than the swamps and salt marshes of the 
Atlantic states. 



OF ILLINOIS. 



RIVER BOTTOMS, OR ALLUVION. 

The surface of our alluvial bottoms is not entirely 
level. In some places it resembles alternate waves of 
the ocean, and looks as though the waters had left their 
deposit in ridges, and retired. 

The portion of bottom land capable of present cultiva- 
tion, and on which the waters never stand, if, at an ex- 
treme freshet, it is covered, is a soil of exhaustless fer- 
tility; a soil that for ages past has been gradually deposit- 
ed by the annual floods. Its average depth on the Ameri- 
can bottom is from twenty to twenty-five feet. Logs of 
wood, and other indications, are found at that depth. The 
soil dug from wells on these bottoms, produces luxuriant- 
ly the first year. 

The most extensive and fertile tract, of this descrip- 
tion of soil, in this state, is the American Bottom, a name 
it received when it constituted the western boundary of 
the United States, and which it has retained ever since. 
It commences at the mouth of the Kaskaskia river, five 
miles below the town of Kaskaskia, and extends north- 
wardly along the Mississippi to the bluffs at Alton, a dis- 
tance of ninety miles. Its average width is five miles, and 
contains about 450 square miles, or 288,000 acres. Op- 
posite St. Louis, in St. Clair county, the bluflTs are seven 
miles from the river, and filled with inexhaustible beds of 
coal. The soil of this bottom is an argillaceous or a sili- 
cious loam, accordingly as clay or sand happens to pre- 
dominate in its formation. 

On the margin of the river, and of some of its lakes, is 
a strip of heavy timber, with a thick undergrowth, which 
extends from half a mile to two miles in width, but from 
thence to the bluffs, it is principally prairie. It is inter- 
spersed with sloughs, lakes, and ponds, the most of which 
become dry in the fall season. 

The soil of the American bottom is inexhaustibly rich. 
About the French towns it has been cultivated, and pro- 
duced corn in succession for more than a century, without 

1* 



6 A GAZETTEER 

exhaustincr its fertilising powers. The only objection that 
can be offered to this tract is its unhealthy character. 
This, however, has diminished considerably within eight 
or ten years. The geological feature noticed in the last 
article — that all our bottoms are higher on the margin of 
the stream than towards the bluff's, explains the cause 
why so much standing water is on the bottom land, 
which, during the summer stagnates and throws off nox- 
ious effluvia. These lakes are usually full of vegetable 
matter undergoing decomposition, and which produces 
large quantities of miasm. Some of the lakes are clear 
and of a sandy bottom, but the most are of a different cha- 
racter. The French settled near a lake or a river, appa- 
rently in the most unhealthy places, and yet their consti- 
tutions are little affected, and they usually enjoy good 
health, though dwarfish and shrivelled in their form and 
features. 

*'The villages of Kaskaskia, Prairie du Rocher, and 
Cahokia, were built up by their industry in places where 
Americans would have perished. Cultivation has, no 
doubt, rendered this tract more salubrious than former- 
ly; and an increase of it, together with the construc- 
tion of drains and canals, will make it one of the most 
eligible in the states. The old inhabitants advise the emi- 
grants not to plant corn in the immediate vicinity of their 
dwellings, as its rich and massy foliage prevents the sun 
from dispelling the deleterious vapours."* 

These lakes and ponds could be drained at a small ex- 
pense, and the soil would be susceptible of cultivation. 
The early settlements of the Americans were either on 
this bottom, or the contiguous bluff's. 

Beside the American bottom, there are others that re- 
semble it in its general character, but not in extent. In 
Union county there is an extensive bottom on the borders 
of the Mississippi. Above the month of the Illinois, and 
along the borders of the counties of Calhoun, Pike, and 
Adams, there is a series of bottoms, with much good and 

* Beck. 



OF ILLINOIS. 7 

elevated land, but the inundated grounds around, present 
objections to a dense population at present. 

The bottoms of Illinois, where not inundated, are equal 
in fertility, and the soil is less adhesive than most parts 
of the American bottom. This is likewise the character 
of the bottoms in the northern parts of the state. 

The bottoms of the Kaskaskia are generally covered 
with a heavy growth of timber, and in many places inun- 
dated when the river is at its highest floods. 

The extensive prairies adjoining will create a demand 
for all this timber. The bottom lands on the Wabash 
are of various qualities. Near the mouth, much of it is 
inundated. Higher up it overflows in high freshets. 

These bottoms, especially the American, are the best 
regions in the United States for raising stock, particular- 
ly horses, cattle, and swine. Seventy-five bushels of corn 
to the acre is an ordinar}' crop. The roots and worms of 
the soil, the acorns and other fruits from the trees, and the 
fish of the lakes, accelerate the growth of swine. Horses 
and cattle find exhaustless supplies of grass in the prai- 
ries; and pea vines, buffalo grass, wild oats, and other 
herbage in the timber, for summer range; and often 
throughout most of the winter. In all the rush bottoms, 
they fatten during the severe weather on rushes. The 
botton. soil is not so well adapted to the production of 
small grain, as of maize or Indian corn, on account of its 
rank growth, and being more subject to blast or fall down 
before harvest, than on the uplands. 

3. Prairies. A large part, probably two-thirds of the 
surface of the state, is covered with prairies. A com- 
mon error has prevailed abroad that our prairie land is 
wet. Much of it is undulating and entirely dry. Prairie 
is a French word, signifying meadow, and is applied to 
any description of surface, that is destitute of timber 
and brushwood, and clothed with grass. Wet, dry, level, 
and undulating, are terms of description merely, and ap- 
ply to prairies in the same sense as they do to forest 
lands. 

Level \)XdXnQ is sometimes wet, the water not runnirg 



8 A GAZETTEER 

off freely is left to be absorbed by the soil, or evaporated 
by the snn. Crawfish throw up their hillocks in this 
soil, and the farmer who cultivates it, will find his labors 
impeded by the water. 

In the southern part, that is, south of the national road 
leading from Terre Haute to the Mississippi, the prairies 
are comparatively small, varying in size from those of 
several miles in width, to those which contain only a few 
acres. As we go northward, they widen and extend on 
the more elevated ground between the water courses to a 
vast distance, and are frequently from six to twelve miles 
in width- Their borders are by no means uniform. Long 
points of timber project into the prairies, and line the 
banks of the streams, and points of prairie project into 
the timber between these streams. In many instances 
are copses and groves of timber, from one hundred to two 
thousand acres, in the midst of prairies, like islands in 
the ocean. This is a common feature in the country be- 
tween the Sangamon river and lake Michigan, and in the 
northern parts of the state. The lead mine region, both 
in this state and the Wisconsin tenitory, abounds with 
these groves. 

The origin of these prairies has caused much specula- 
lion. We might as well dispute about the origin of 
forests, upon the assumption that the natural covering 
of the earth was grass. Probably one half of the earth's 
surface, in a stale of nature, was prairies or barrens. 
Much of it, like our western prairies, was covered with 
a luxuriant coat of grass and herbage. The steppes of 
Tartary, the pampas of South America, the savannas of 
the southern, and i\\e prairies of the western states, desig- 
nate similar tracts of country. Mesopotamia, Syria, and 
Judea had their ancient prairies, on which the patriarchs 
fed their flocks. Missionaries in Burmah, and travellers 
in the interior of Africa, mention the same description of 
country. Where the tough sward of the prairie is once 
formed, timber will not take root. Destroy this by the 
plough, or by any other method, and it is soon converted 
into forest land. There are large tracts of country in the 



OF ILLINOIS. 9 

older settlements, where, thirty or forty years since, the 
farmers mowed their hay, that are now covered with a 
forest of young timber of rapid growth. 

The fire annually sweeps over the prairies, destroying 
the grass and herbage, blackening the surface, and leav- 
ing a deposit of ashes to enrich the soil. 

4. Barrens. This term, in the western dialect, does 
not indicate /)oor land^ but a species of surface of a mixed 
character, uniting forest and prairie. These are called 
"openings" in Michigan. 

The timber is generally scattering, of a rough and stunt- 
ed appearance, interspersed with patches of hazle and 
brushwood, and where the contest between the fire and 
timber is kept up, each striving for the mastery. 

In the early settlements of Kentucky, much of the 
country below and south of Green river presented a 
dwarfish and stunted growth of timber, scattered over the 
surface, or collected in clumps, with hazle and shrubbery 
intermixed. This appearance led the first explorers to 
the inference that the soil itself must necessarily be poor, 
to produce so scanty a growth of timber, and they gave 
the name of barrens to the whole tract of country. Long 
since it has been ascertained that this description of land 
is amongst the most productive soil in the state. The 
term barren has since received a very extensive applica- 
tion throughout the west. Like all other tracts of country, 
the barrens present a considerable diversity of soil. In 
general, however, the surface is more uneven or rolling 
than the prairies, and sooner degenerates into ravines and 
sink-holes. Wherever timber barely sufficient for present 
purposes can be found, a person need not hesitate to settle 
in the barrens. These tracts are almost invariably healthy; 
they possess a greater abundance of pure springs of water, 
and the soil is better adapted for all kinds of produce, and 
all descriptions of seasons, wet and dry, than "the deeper 
and richer mould of the bottoms and prairies. 

When the fires are stopped, these barrens produce 
timber, at a rate of which no northern emigrant can have 
any just conception. Dwarfish shrubs and small trees of 



10 A GAZETTEER 

oak and hickory are scattered over the surface, where 
for years they have contended with the fires for a pre- 
carious existence, while a mass of roots, sufficient for 
the support of large trees, have accumulated in the earth. 
Soon as they are protected from the ravages of the annual 
fires, the more thrifty sprouts shoot forth, and in ten years 
are large enough for corn cribs and stables. 

As the fires on the prairies become stopped by the sur- 
rounding settlements, and the wild grass is eaten out 
and trodden down by the stock, they begin to assume 
the character of barrens; first hazle and other shrubs, and 
finally a thicket of young timber, covers the surface. 

5. Forest, or timbered land. In general, Illinois is 
abundantly supplied with timber., and were it equally 
distributed through the state there would be no part 
wanting. The apparent scarcity of timber where the 
prairie predominates, is not so great an obstacle to the 
settlement as has been supposed. For many of the pur- 
poses to which timber is applied, substitutes are found. 
The rapidity with which the young growth ])ushes itself 
forward, without a single effort on the part of man to 
accelerate it, and the readiness with which the prairie 
becomes converted into thickets, and then into a forest 
of young timber, shows that, in another generation, tim- 
ber will not be wanting in any part of Illinois. 

The kinds of timber most abundant are oaks of various 
species, black and white walnut, ash of several kinds, 
elm, sugar maple, honey locust, hackberry, linden, hic- 
kory, cotton wood, pecaun, mulberry, buckeye, syca- 
more, wild cherry, box elder, sassafras, and persimmon. 
In the southern and eastern parts of the state are yellow 
poplar, and beech; near the Ohio are cypress, and in 
several counties are clumps of yellow pine and cedar. 
The undergrowth are redbud, papaw, sumach, plum, crab 
apple, grape vines, dogwood, spice bush, green brier, 
hazle, &c. 

The alluvial soil of the rivers produces cotton wood and 
sycamore timber of amazing size. 

For ordinary purposes there is now timber enough in 



OF ILLINOIS. 11 

most parts of the state, to say nothing about the artificial 
production of timber, which may be effected with little 
trouble and expense. The black locust, a native of Ohio 
and Kentucky, may be raised from the seed, with less 
labour than a nursery of apple trees. It is of rapid 
gfrowth, and as a valuable and lasting timber, claims the 
attention of our farmers. It forms one of the cleanliest 
and most beautiful shades, and when in blossom, gives 
a rich prospect, and sends abroad a delicious fragrance. 

6. Knobs, Bluffs^ Ravines, and Sink-/ioles. Under these 
heads are included tracts of uneven country found in va- 
rious parts of the state. 

Knobs are ridges of flint limestone, intermingled and 
covered with earth, and elevated one or two hundred feet 
above the common surface. This species of land is of 
little value for cultivation, and usually has a sprinkling 
of dwarfish, stunted timber, like the barrens. 

The steep hills and natural mounds that border the al- 
luvions have obtained the name of bluffs. Some are in 
long, parallel ridges, others are in the form of cones and 
pyramids. In some places precipices of limestone rock, 
from fifty to one or two hundred feet high, form these 
bluflfs. 

Ravines are formed amongst the bluflfs, and often near 
the borders of prairies, which lead down to the streams. 

Sink-holes are circular depressions in the surface like 
a basin. They are of various sizes, from ten to fifty feet 
deep, and from ten to one or two hundred yards in cir- 
cumference. Frequently they contain an outlet for the 
water received by the rains. Their existence shows 
that the subtratum is secondary limestone, abounding in 
subterraneous cavities. 

There are but few tracts of stony ground in the state; 
that is, where loose stones are scattered over the surface, 
and imbedded in the soil. Towards the northern part of 
the state, tracts of stony ground exist. Quarries of stone 
exist in the bluff's, and in the banks of the streams and 
ravines throughout the state. 

The soil is porous, easy to cultivate, and exceedingly 



12 A GAZETTEER 

productive. A strong team is required to break up the 
prairies, on account of the firm, grassy sward which 
covers them. But when subdued they become fine, ara- 
ble lands. 



RIVERS AND LAKES. 

This state is bounded on three sides by the Mississippi, 
Ohio, and Wabash rivers. The Illinois, Kaskaskia, San- 
gamon, and many smaller streams are entirely within its 
boundaries. Others, as the Kankakee, Rock river, and 
Vermillion of the Wabash, run part of their course with- 
in the state. 

The Mississippi, which, in its meanderings, runs about 
700 miles along its western border, takes its rise in Itasca 
lake, in latitude 45 degrees north. 

From this to the falls of St. Anthony, a distance of 
about five hundred miles, it runs a devious course, first 
southeast; then southwest; and, finally, southeast again; 
which last it continues without much deviation till it 
reaches the Missouri. From thence its course is a few 
degrees east of south to the mouth of the Ohio. 

The appearance and character of the Mississippi, above 
and below the mouth of the Missouri, are so distinctly 
marked as to lead to the general opinion that the former 
is but a branch of the latter. The average width of the 
Mississippi proper, is from one half to one mile; and its 
current generally is from two to four miles an hour, vary- 
ing according to the height and volume of the water. 
The mean descent of this river is about six inches per 
mile. Its sources are estimated by Mr. Schoolcraft to 
be 1,330 feet above the level of tide water at the gulf of 
Mexico; the distance being computed at 3,000 miles. 
Below the mouth of the Missouri, the water of the Mis- 
sissippi has the turbid appearance of the Missouri, and 
was formerly obstructed with snags and sawyers. These 
obstructions to the navigation have been partially remov- 
ed by the enterprising Captain Shreve and his snag boat, 
in the employment of the general government, arid the 



OF ILLINOIS. 13 

trees that form these obstructions have been cut away 
from its banks. 

The principal tributaries of the Mississippi^ within the 
state of Illinois, are Rock, Illinois, Kaskaskia and Muddy 
rivers. The aboriginal name is said to signify ^^ Father 
of Waters^'''' or " Great Waters.'''' 

The Ohio river, which washes the southern boundary 
of Illinois, is formed by the junction of the Allegheny and 
Monongahela rivers at Pittsburgh, and after running a 
southwestern course 1,100 miles, unites with the Mis- 
sissippi at the extreme south end of the state. At the 
confluence of these rivers, as is the case with most other 
rivers in the west, there is an extensive and recently 
formed alluvion. Below the mouth of the Wabash, no 
large streams enter the Ohio from Illinois. Saline, Big 
Bay, and Cash are the largest. 

The Wabash river rises in the northeastern part of In- 
diana, and running first a southwestern, and then a south 
course, it enters the Ohio about 200 miles above its mouth 
It is a beautiful stream, and at high water is navigated 
by steam boats as far as Logansport in Indiana. Its head 
waters approach within a short distance of the waters of 
the Maumee of Lake Erie, with which a canal navigation 
is now being constructed under the authority of the state 
of Indiana. 

About twenty miles below Vincennes, and near the 
junction of White river, are considerable rapids, which 
obstruct the navigation in low water. Funds in part 
have been provided and measures are in train by the 
two states to improve the navigation at this place. The 
character of the lands and soil bordering on the Wabash 
does not differ materially from that on the Ohio and 
Mississippi; only there is more sandy soil, and its bot- 
toms are more subject to inundation. In this region, 
and especially in Lawrence and Crawford counties, there 
are some swamps, called by ixdiVeWers purgatories. 

The principal tributaries of the Wabash within the 
state of Illinois, are the Vermillion, Embarrass, and 
Little Wabash rivers. 
2 



14 A GAZETTEER 

The Illinois, Kaskaskia, Rock, and other rivers within 
the state will be described under their respective names 
in the third part of this work. ZaA-e Michigan is the only 
lake deserving special notice. There are several other 
lakes in different parts of the state, but they are small and 
unimportant, and rather deserve the name of ponds. A 
portion of lake Michigan is included within the boundaries 
of the state, and affords a medium of communication with 
the northern states and Canada. It is about 280 miles 
long and its medium width is about 60 miles. About fifty 
five miles of its southwestern border is in Illinois. Its 
waters are cool and clear, and it affords fine navigation for 
schooners and steamboats for about eight months in the 
year. The plan of a canal to connect its commerce with 
the navigable waters of the Illinois will be found under 
the head of " Plans of Internal Improvement.'''' 



PRODUCTIONS. 

These are naturally classed into mineral, animal and 
vegetable. 

Mineruh. The northern portion of Illinois is inex- 
haustibly rich in mineral productions, while coal, se- 
condary limestone, and sandstone, are found in every 
part. 

Iron ore has been found in the southern parts of the 
state, and is said to exist in considerable quantities in 
the northern parts. 

Native copper in small quantities has been found on 
Muddy river, in Jackson county, and back of Harrison- 
ville, in the bluffs of Monroe county. One mass weigh- 
ing seven pounds was found detached at the latter 
place. A shaft was sunk forty feet deep in 1817, in 
search of this metal, but without success. Red oxide 
of iron and oxide of copper were dug out. Crystallized 
gypsum has been found in small quantities in St. Clair 
county. Quartz crystals exist in Gallatin county. 

Silver is supposed to exist in St. Clair county, two 



OF ILLINOIS. 15 

miles from Rock Spring, from whence Silver Creek de- 
rives its name. In ihe early times, by the French, a 
shaft was sunk here, and tradition tells of large quan- 
tities of the precious metal being obtained. In 1828, 
many persons in this vicinity commenced digging, and 
began to dream of immense fortunes, which however 
vanished during the following winter. They dug up 
considerable quantities of home blende^ the shining specula 
of which were mistaken for silver. 

Ill the southern part of the state several sections of 
land have been reserved from sale, on account of the 
silver ore they are supposed to contain. Marble of a fine 
quality is found in Randolph county. 

Lead is found in vast quantities in the northern part 
of Illinois, and the adjacent territory. Here are the 
richest lead mines hitherto discovered on the globe. 
This portion of country lies principally north of Rock 
river south of the Wisconsin river. Dubuque's, and 
other rich mines, are west of the Mississippi. 

Native copper, in large quantities, exists in this re- 
gion, especially at the mouth of Plum creek, and on the 
Peckatonakee, marked on the map, above Rook river, 
which puts into the Mississippi. Peekatonakee is a branch 
of Rock river. 



AMOUNT OF LEAD MANUFACTURED. 

For many years the Indians, and some of the French 
hunters and traders, had been accustomed to dig lead in 
these regions. They never penetrated much below the 
surface but obtained considerable quantities of the ore, 
which they sold to the traders. 

In 1823, the late Col. James Jolmson, of Great Cross- 
ings, Ky. and brother to the Hon. R. M. Johnson, ob- 
tained a lease from the United States government, and 
made arrangements to prosecute the business of smelt- 
ing, with considerable force, which he did the following 
season. This attracted the attention of enterprising 



16 A GAZETTEER 

men in Illinois, Missouri, and other states. Some went 
on in 1826, more followed in 1827, and in 1828 the coun- 
try was almost literally filled with miners, smellers, 
merchants, speculators, gamblers, and every descriptirn 
of character. Intelligence, enterprise, and virtue, were 
thrown in the midst of dissipation, gaming, and every 
species of vice. Such was the crowd of adventurers in 
1829, to this hitherto almost unknown and desolate re- 
gion, that the lead business was greatly overdone, and 
the market for awhile nearly destroyed. Fortunes were 
made almost upon a turn of the spade, and lost with equal 
facility. The business has revived and is prosecuted to a 
great extent. Exhaustless quantities of mineral exist 
here, over a tract of county two hundred miles in extent. 
The following table shows the amount of lead made an- 
nually at these diggings, from 1821, to September, 30, 
1833. 

Lbs. of lead made from 1821, to Sept. 1823, 335,130 

Do. for the year ending Sept. 30, 1824, 175,220 

Do. do. do. 1825, 664,530 

Do. do. do. 1826, 958,842 

Do. do. do, 1827, 5,182,180 

Do. do. do. 1828, 11,105,810 

Do. do. do. 1829, 13,344,150 

Do. do. do. 1830, 8,323,998 

Do. do. do. 1831, 6,381,900 

Do. do. do. 1832, 4,281,876 

Do. do. do. 1833, 7,941,792 

Do. do, do. 1834, 7,971,579 

Do. do. do. 1835, 3,754,290 



Total, 70,421,297 

The rent accruing to government for the same period, 
is a fraction short of six millions of pounds. 

Formerly the government received 10 per cent, in lead 
for rents. Now it is 6 per cent. 

A part of the Mineral land in the Wisconsin Territory 



OF ILLINOIS. 17 

has been surveyed and brought into market, which will 
add greatly to the stability and prosperity of the mining 
business. It is expected that the Mineral lands in Illi- 
nois will soon be in market. 

Coal. Bituminous coal abounds in this state and may be 
found in nearly every county. It is frequently perceived 
without excavation in the ravines and at the points of 
bluffs. 

Exhauslless beds of this article exist in the bluffs ad- 
jacent to the American bottom in St. Clair county, of 
which large quantities are annually transported to St. 
Louis for fuel. 

A Rail Road is now constructing by a private company, 
from the bluffs to the ferry, six miles, for the purpose of 
transporting coal to St. Louis. 

A large vein of coal, several feet thick, and apparently 
exhaustless, has been struck in excavating the Illinois and 
Michigan canal, a few miles below Ottawa. 

A bed 0^ Anthracite Q,o-d.\, it is said, has been discovered 
on Muddy river in Jackson county. 

Agatized Wood. A petrified tree, of black walnut, 
was found in the bed of the river Des Plaines, about forty 
rods above its junction with the Kankakee, imbedded in 
a horizontal position, in a stratum of sandstone. There 
is fifty-one and a half feet of the trunk visible — eighteen 
inches in diameter at its smallest end, and probably three 
feet at the other end. 

Muriate of Soda, or common salt. This is found in 
various parts of the state, held in solution in the springs. 
The manufacture of salt by boiling and evaporation is car- 
ried on in Gallatin county, twelve miles west-north-west 
from Shawneetown; in Jackson county, near Brownsville; 
and in Vermilion county, near Danville. The springs 
and land are owned by the state, and the works leased. 

A coarse freestone, much used in building, is dug from 
quarries near Alton, on the Mississippi, where large bodies 
exist. 

Scattered over the surface of our prairies, are large 
masses of rock, of granitic formation, roundish in form, 

2* 



18 A GAZETTEER 

usually called by the people '■^ lost rocks.''^ They will 
weigh from one thousand to ten or twelve thousand 
pounds, and are entirely detached, and frequently are 
found several miles distant from any quarry. Nor has 
there ever been a quarry of granite discovered in the 
state. These stones are denominated bowlders in mine- 
ralogy. That they exist in various parts of Illinois is an 
undoubted truth; and that they are of a species of gra- 
nite is equally true, as I have specimens to show. They 
usually lie on the surface, or are partially imbedded in 
the soil of our prairies, which is unquestionably of dilu- 
vial formation. How they came here is a question of 
difficult solution. 

Medicinal Waters are found in different parts of the 
state. These are chiefly sulphur springs and chalybeate 
waters. There is said to be one well in the southern 
part of the state strongly impregnated with the sulphate 
of magnesia, or Epsom salts, from which considerable 
quantities have been made for sale, by simply evaporating 
the water, in a kettle, over a common fire. 

There are several sulphur springs in Jefferson county, 
to which persons resort for health. 

Vegetable Productions. The principal trees and shrubs 
of Illinois have been noticed under the head of ''^Forest 
or timbered land.''^ Of oaks there are several species, as 
overcup, burr oak, swamp or water oak, white oak, red 
or Spanish oak, post oak, and black oak of several varie- 
ties, with the black jack, a dwarfish, knarled looking tree, 
excellent for fuel, but good for nothing else. 

The black walnut is much used for building materials 
and cabinet work, and sustains a fine polish. 

In most parts of the state, grape vines, indigenous 
to the country, are abundant, which yield grapes that 
might advantageously be made into excellent wine. Fo- 
reign vines are susceptible of easy cultivation. These 
are cultivated to a considerable extent at Vevay, Switzer- 
land county, Indiana, and at New Harmony on the Wa- 
bash. The indigenous vines are prolific, and produce 
excellent fruit. 7'hey are found in every variety of soil; 



OF ILLINOIS. 19 

interwoven in every thicket in the prairies and barrens; 
and climbing to the"^ tops of the very highest trees on the 
bottoms. The French in early times made so much wine 
as to export some to France; upon which the proper au- 
thorities prohibited the introduction of wine from Illinois, 
lest, it might injure the sale of that staple article of the 
kingdom. 1 think the act was passed by the board of 
trade, in 1774. 

The editor of the Illinois Magazine remarks: " We 
know one gentleman who made twenty-seven barrels of 
wine in a single season, from the grapes gathered with but 
little labor, in his immediate neighbourhood." 

The wild plum is found in every part of the state; but 
in most instances the fruit is too sour for use, unless for 
preserves. Crab apples are equally prolific, and make 
fine preserves with about double their bulk of sugar. 
Wild cherries are equally productive. The persimmon is 
a delicious fruit, after the frost has destroyed its astrin- 
gent properties. The black mulberry grows in most 
parts, and is used for the feeding of silk worms with suc- 
cess. They appear to thrive and spin as well as on the 
Italian mulberry. The gooseberry, strawberry, and black- 
berry grow wild and in great profusion. Of ourtiuts, the 
hickory, black walnut, and pecaun deserve notice. The 
last is an oblong, thin shelled, delicious nut, that grows 
on a large tree, a species of the hickory, (the Carya olivse 
formis of Nuttall.) The paupaw grows in the bottoms, 
and rich, timbered uplands, and produces a large, pulpy, 
and luscious fruit. Of domestic fruits, the apple and 
peach are chiefly cultivated. Pears are tolerably plenty 
in the French settlements, and quinces are cultivated with 
success by some Americans. Apples are easily culti- 
vated, and are very productive. They can be made to 
bear fruit to considerable advantage in seven years from 
the seed. Many varieties are of fine flavor, and grow to 
a large size. I have measured apples, the growth of St. 
Clair county, that exceeded thirteen inches in circumfe- 
rence. Some of the early American settlers provided 
orchards. They now reap the advantages. But a large 



20 A GAZETTEER 

proportion of the popnlation of the frontiers are content 
without this indispensable article in the conatcrts of a 
Yankee farmer. Cider is caade in small quantities in the 
old settlements. In a few years a supply of this beverage 
can be had in most parts of Illinois. 

Peach trees grow with great rapidity, and decay pro- 
portionably soon. From ten to fifteen years may be 
considered the life of this tree. Our peaches are delicious, 
but they sometimes fail by being destroyed iu the germ 
by winter frosts. The bud swells prematurely. 

Garden Vegetables can be produced here in vast profo- 
sion, and of excellent quality. 

That we have few of the elegant and well dressed gar- 
dens of gentlemen in the old states, is admitted; which is 
not owing to climate, or soil, but to the want of leisure 
and means. 

A cabbage head two or three feet in diameter including 
the leaves, is no wonder on this soil. Beets often exceed 
twelve inches iu circumference. Parsnips will penetrate 
our light, porous soil, to the depth of two or three feet. 

The cultivated vegetable produrfions in the Jield, are 
maize or Indian corn, wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat, 
Irish potatoes, sweet polatces, turnips, rye for horse 
feed and distilleries, tobacco, cotton, hemp, flax, the 
castor bean, and every other production common to the 
middle states. 

Maize is a staple prodoction. No farmer can live with- 
out it, and hundreds raise little else. This is chiefly owing 
to the ease with which it is cultivated. Its average yield 
is fifty bushels to the acre. I have oftentimes seen it pro- 
duce seventy-five bushels to the acre, and in a few in- 
stances, exceed one hundred. 

TTheat yields a good and sure crop, especially in the 
counties bordering on the Illinois river, and through the 
northern parts of the state. It weighs upwards of GO 
pounds per bushel; and flour from this region has prefer- 
ence in the New Orleans market, and passes better in- 
spection than the same article from Ohio or Kentucky. 

la 1S25, the weavel, for the first time, made its ap- 



or ILLDiOIS. 21 

pearance in St. Clair and the adjacent conntiea, and bas 

occasionally renewed its \isits since. Within the last 
two seasons, some fields hare been injured by the flj. 

A common hot slovenly practice among-st oar farmers, 
is, to sow wheat among^st the standing com, in September, 
and cover it by mnniug a few furrows with the ploogii 
between the rows of corn. The dry stalks are then cut 
down in the spring, and left on the oroond. Even by this 
imperfect mode, fifteen or twenty bushels of wheat to the 
acre are produced. But where the ground is duly pre- 
pared by fallowing, and the seed pot in at the proper time, 
a good crop, averaging from twenty-five to thirty-nre 
bushels per acre, rarely fails to be pr-DCured. 

The average price of wheat is one dollar to one dollar 
twenty-five cents per bushel, varying aliitle according to 
the competition of mills and facilities to market. In manj 
instances a single crop of wheat will pay the expenses of 
purchasing the land, fencing, breaking the prairie, seed, 
putting in the crop, harvestiaa. threshing, and taking it to 
market. Wheat is now freq-jently sown on the prairie land 
as a first crop, and a good yield obtained. 

Flouring mills are now in operation in many of the 
wheat growing counties. Steam power is getting into 
extensive use both for sawing and mannfa-turing fioor. 

It is to be regretted that so few of oar farmers kare 
erected bams for the security of their crops. No article is 
more profitable, and really more indispensable to a farmer, 
than a large bam. 

Oats have not been mnch raised till lately. They are 
very productive, often yielding from forty to fifty bushels 
ou the acre, and usually sell from twenty to thirty cents 
the bushel. The demand for the use of stage and traTeU 
ers' horses is increasing. 

Ezmv is an indigenous plant in the southern part of 
this state, as it is in Missouri. It has not been exten- 
sively cultivated, but wherever tried, is fonnd very pro- 
ductive, and of an excellent quality. It might be made 
a staple of the country. 

TJiucco, though a filthy and Doxioos weed, which no 



22 A GAZETTEER 

human being ought ever to nse, can be produced in any 
quantity and of the first quality in Illinois. 

Cutton, for many years, has been successfully cultivated 
in this state for domestic use, and some for exportation. 
Two or three spinning factories are in operation, and pro- 
duce cotton yarn from the growth of the country with 
promising success. This branch of business admits of 
enlargement, and invites the attention of eastern manu- 
facturers with small capital. Much of the cloth made in 
families who have emigrated from states south of the 
Ohio is from the cotton of the country. 

Flax is produced, and of a tolerable quality, but not 
equal to that of the northern states. It is said to be pro- 
ductive and good in the northern counties. There is an 
oil mill to manufacture oil from the seed, in Sangamon 
county. 

The palina christi^ or castor oil bean, is produced in 
considerable quantities in Madison, Randolph, and other 
counties, and large quantities of oil are expressed and 
sent abroad. 

Sweet Potatoes are a delicious root, and yield abundant- 
ly, especially on the American bottom, and rich sandy 
prairies. 

But little has been done to introduce cultivated grasses. 
The prairie grass looks coarse and unsavory, and yet 
our horses and cattle will thrive well on it. It is already 
known to the reader that this grass disappears when the 
settlements extend round a prairie, and the cattle eat off 
the young growth in the spring. Consequently in a (ew 
years, the natural grass no longer exists. 

It is to be regretted that so few have thought of pro- 
viding themselves with natural meadows of fifty or more 
acres to each plantation, by a process so cheap as that 
of fencing in the prairie, before the cattle liad subdued 
the natural grass, and preserving it with a very little care, 
in a perfectly natural state. 

But this notion was entirely incorrect. To produce 
timothy with success, the ground must be well cultivated 
in the summer, either by an early crop, or by fallowing, 



OF ILLINOIS. 23 

and the seed sown about the 20th of September, at the 
rate of ten or twelve quarts of clean seed to the acre, and 
lightly brushed in. 

If the season is in any way favourable, it will get a ra- 
pid start before winter. By the last week in June, it 
will produce two tons per acre, of the finest of hay. It 
then requires a dressing of stable or yard manure, and 
occasionally the turf may be scratched with a harrow, to 
prevent the roots from binding too hard. By this process 
timothy meadows may be made and preserved. There 
are meadows in St. Clair county, which have yielded 
heavy crops of hay in succession, for several years, and 
bid fair to continue for an indefinite period. Cattle, and 
especially horses, should never be permitted to run in 
meadows in Illinois. The fall grass may be cropped 
down by calves and colts. There is but a little more 
labour required to produce a crop of timothy than a crop 
of oats, and as there is not a stone or a pebble to interrupt, 
the soil may be turned up every third or fourth year for 
corn, and afterwards laid down to grass again. 

A species of blue grass is cultivated by some farmers 
for pastures. If well set and not eaten down in summer, 
blue grass pastures may be kept green and fresh till late 
in autumn, or even in the winter. The English spire 
grass has been cultivated with success in the Wabash 
country. 

Of the trefoil, or clover, there is but little cultivated. 
A prejudice exists against it, as it is imagined to injure 
horses by affecting the glands of the mouth, and causing 
them to slaver. It grows luxuriantly, and may be cut 
for hay early in June. The white clover comes in natur- 
ally, where the ground has been cultivated, and thrown 
by, or along the sides of old roads and paths. Clover 
pastures would be excellent for swine. 

Animals. Of wild animals there are several species. 
The buffalo is not found on this side the Mississippi, nor 
within several hundred miles of St. Louis. This animal 
once roamed at large over the prairies of Illinois, and.was 
found in plenty thirty years since. Wolves, Panthers^ 



21 A GAZETTEER 

and wild cats are still numerous on the frontiers, and 
through the unsettled portions of the country. Wolves 
harbor in almost ever}' county, and annoy the farmer by 
destroying his sheep and pigs. Theie are three species 
found in Illinois: 

1. The large gray wolf, or canis lupus of Linneus, is 
not very plenty, and not commonly found in the older set- 
tlements. 

2. The black wolf, or canis li/caon of Linneus, is scarce. 
Occasionally they are killed by our hunters. 

3. The canis lafrans of Say, or common prairie wolf, is 
the^ost common, and found in considerable numbers. 
This mischievous animal is but little larger than the 
common fox, burrows in the prairies, and comes forth in 
the night to attack sheep, pigs, poultry, &c. Many of 
the settlers keep hounds to guard against the depredations 
of this animal. 

Panthers and wild cats are less common, but occasion- 
ally do mischief. 

Deer dixe also very numerous, and are valuable, particu- 
larly to that class of our population which has been raised 
to frontier habits; the flesh atTording them food, and the 
skins, clothing. Fresh venison hams usually sell seven- 
ty-five cents, to one dollar fifty cents a pair, and when pro- 
perly cured, are a delicious article. Many of the frontier 
people dress tlieir skins, and make them into pantaloons 
and hunting shirts. These articles are indispensable to 
all who have occasion to travel in viewing land, or for any 
other purpose beyond the settlements, as cloth garments, 
in the shrubs and vines, would soon be in strings. 

It is a novel and pleasant sight to a stranger, to see the 
deer in flocks of eight, ten, or fifteen ^in number, feeding 
on the grass of the prairies, or bounding away at the sight 
of a traveller. 

The brown bear is also an inhabitant of this state, al- 
though he is continually retreating before the advance of 
civilization. 

Foxes, raccoons, opossums, gophars, and squirrels, are 
also namerous, as are muskrats, otters, and occasionally 



OF ILLINOIS. 23 

beaver, aboat our rivers and lakes. Raccoons are very 
common, and frequently do mischief in the fall to oor com. 
Opossums sometimes trouble the ponltry. I have a few 
facts reported to me from sources entitled to great credit, 
that the production of the young of this sinigular and ex- 
traordinary animal, is different from the ordinary process 
of generation in Tiriparons animals. The fcBtns is found 
adhering to the teat, within the false belly, at the very 
first stage of existence. 

The vophar is a singfular little animal, about the size of 
a squirrel. It burrows io the ground, is seldom seen, jjot 
its works make it known. It labors during the night,«ii> 
digging subterranean pass^iges in the rich soil of the prai- 
ries, and throws up hillocks of fresh earth, within a few 
feet distance from each other, and from twelve to eighteen 
inches in height, I have seen a dozen of these hillocks, 
the production of one night's labour, and apparently from 
a single gophar. The passages are formed in such a laby- 
rinth, that it is a difficult matter to find the animal by dig- 
gin 2". 

The crray and fox squirrels often do mischief in the com 
fields, and the huntingr of them makes fine sport for the 
boys. It is a rule amcrigst the Kentucky riflemen to shoot 
a squirrel only through his eyes, and that from the tops 
of the highest trees of the forest. It is evidence of a bad 
marksman, for a hunter to hit one in any other part. 

Common Babbits exist in every thicket. These animals 
annoy nurseries and young orchards exceedingly. The 
fence around a nursery must always be so close as to shut 
out rabbits, and young appletrees must be secured at the 
approach of winter, by tying straw or com stalks around 
their bodies, for two or three feet in height, or the bark 
will be stripped off by these mischievous animals. 

TJlld horses are found ranging the prairies and forests 
in some parts of the state. Thty are small in size, of the 
Indian or Canadian breed, and very hardy. They are 
caught in pens, or with ropes having nooses attached to 
them, and broken to the saddle and harness. The French, 
who monopolise the basioess of catching, and breaking 
3 



2^ A GAZETTEER 

these horses, make them an article of traffic; their common 
price is from twenty to thirty dollars. They are found 
chiefly in the lower end of the American Bottom, near the 
junction of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi rivers, called 
the Point. They are the offsprincr of the horses brought 
there by the first settlers, and which were suffered to run 
at larg'e. The Indians of the West have many such hor- 
ses, which are commonly called Indian ponies. 

Domestic Animals. These are the same as are found 
in other portions of the United States. But little has been 
done to improve the breed of horses amongst us. Our 
common riding or working horses average about fifteen 
hands in height. Horses are much more used here than 
in the eastern states, and many a farmer keeps half a 
dozen or more. Much of the travelling throughout the 
western country, both by men and women, is performed 
on horseback; and a large proportion of the land carriage 
is by means of large wagons, with from four to six stout 
horses for a team. A great proportion of the ploughing 
is performed by horse labor. Horses are more subject to 
diseases in this country than in the old states, which is 
thought to be occasioned by bad management, rather than 
by the climate. A good farm horse can be purchased for 
fifty dollars. Riding, or carriage horses, of a superior 
quality, cost about sixty, eighty, or a hundred dollars. 
Breeding mares are profitable stock for every farmer to 
keep, as their annual expense in keeping is but trifling, 
their labor is always needed, and their colts, when grown, 
find a ready market. Some farmers keep a stallion, and 
eight or ten brood mares. 

Mules are raised in Missouri and are also brought from 
the Mexican dominions into Illinois. They are hardy 
animals, grow to a good size, and are used by some both 
for labour and riding. 

0\JT neat cattle ^re usually inferior in size to those of 
the old states. This is owing entirely to bad manage- 
ment. Our cows are not penned up in pasture fields, but 
suffered to run at large over the commons. Hence all 
the calves are preserved, without respect to quality, to 



OF ILLINOIS. 37 

entice the cows homeward ateveninpr. They are kept up 
throucrh the day, and oftentimes without much pasture, 
and turned to the cows for a few minutes at night, and 
then permitted to graze through the night over the short 
and withered grass around the plantation. 

In autumn their food is very scanty, ond during the win- 
ter they are permitted to pick up a precarious subsistence 
amongst fifty or a hundred head of cattle. With such 
management, is it surprising that our cows and steers are 
much inferior to those of the old states? 

And yet, our beef is the finest in the world. It bears 
the best inspection of any in the New Orleans market. 
By the first of June, and often by the middle of May, our 
young cattle on the prairies are fit for market. They do 
not yield large quantities of tallow, but the fat is well 
proportioned throughout the carcase, and the meat tender 
and delicious. By inferiority, then, I mean the size of our 
cattle in general, and the quantity and quality of the milk 
of cows. 

Common cows, if suffered to lose their milk in August, 
become sufficiently fat for table use by October. Farrow 
heifers and steers, are good beef, and fit for the knife at 
any period after the middle of May. Nothing is more 
common than for an Illinois farmer to go among his stock, 
select, shoot down, and dress a fine beef, whenever fresh 
meat is needed. This is often divided out amongst the 
neighbours, who, in turn, kill and share likewise. It is 
common at camp and other large meetings, to kill a beef 
and three or four hogs for the subsistence of friends from 
a di>5tance. 

We can hardly place limits upon the amount of beef 
cattle that Illinois is capable of producing. A farmer 
calls himself poor, with a hundred head of horned cattle 
around him. A cow in the spring is worth from twelve 
to twenty dc^llars. Some of the best quality will sell 
higher. And let it be distinctly understood, once for all, 
that a poor man can always purchase horses, cattle, hogs, 
and provisions, for labor, either by the day, month, or 
job. 



28 A GAZETTEER 

Cows, in s^eneral, do not produce the same amount of 
milk, nor of as rich a quality as in older states. 8ome- 
thingr is to be attributed to the nature of our pastures, and 
the warmth of our climate, but more to causes already 
assigned. If ever a land was characterised justly as " flow- 
inor with milk and honey," it is Illinois and the adja- 
cent states. From the springing of the grass till Septem- 
ber, butter is made in great profusion. It sells at that 
season in market for about twenty cents, and in the inte- 
rior of the state for twelve cents per pound. "With proper 
care it can be preserved with tolerable sweetness for win- 
ter's use. Late in autumn and early in the winter, some- 
times butter is not plenty. The feed becomes dry, the 
cows range further off, and do not come up readily for 
milking, and dry up. Avery little trouble would enable 
a farmer to keep three or four good cows in fresh milk at the 
season most needed. 

Cheese is made by many fiimilies, especially, in the 
counties bordering on the Illinois river. Good cheese 
sells for eight and sometimes ten cents, and finds a ready 
market. The most important arrangement for the dairy 
business in Illinois, and especially for cheese making is 
to persuade a few thousand families, from the dairy re- 
gions of New England, to emigrate, and continue their 
industrious habits after settling here. 

Swine. This species of stock may be called a staple 
in the provision of Illinois. Thousands of hogs are raised 
without any expense, except a few breeders to start with, 
and a little attention in hunting them on the range, and 
keeping them tame. 

This kind of pork is by no means equal to that raised 
and fatted on corn, and in a domestic way. It is soft, 
oily, and will not bear inspection at New Orleans. It 
usually sells for three dollars per hundred. 

Pork that is made in adomestic way and fatted on corn, 
will sell for from four to five dollars, according to size, 
quality, and the time when it is delivered. With a pasture 
of clover or blue grass, a well filled corn crib, a dairy, and 
slop barrel, and the usual care that a New Englander be- 



OF ILLINOIS. 29 

Stows on his pigs, pork may be raised from the sow^ fat- 
ted and killed, and weigh from two hundred to two hund- 
red and fifty, within twelve months, and this method of 
raising pork would be profitable. 

Few families in the west and south put up their pork in 
salt pickle. Their method is to salt it sufiiciently to pre- 
pare it fur smoking, and then make bacon of hams, shoul- 
ders, and middlings or broadsides. Tiie price of bacon, 
taking the hog round, is about ten and twelve cents. Good 
hams command twelve cents in the market. Stock hogs, 
weighing from sixty to one hundred pounds, alive, usually 
sell for from two dollars to two dollars and fifty cents per 
head. Families consume much more meat in Illinois, in 
proportion to numbers, than in the old states. 

Sheep do very well in this country, especially in the 
older settlements, where the grass has become short, and 
they are less molested by wolves. But few are kept. 
The people from the south are more accustomed to cotton 
for clothing, than to wool, which sells for fifty cents 
per pound. Little is said or done to improve the breed 
of sheep, or introduce the IMerino, or Saxony breed. Mr. 
Georg-e Flower, at Albion, has a valuable flock of Saxony 
and Merino. 

Foidtry are raised in great profusion — and large num- 
bers of fowls taken to market. It is no uncommon thing 
for some farmers' wives to raise three or four hundred 
fowls, besides geese, ducks, and turkeys, in a season. 
Young fowls, butter, and eggs, are the three articles 
usually mustered from every farm for the market. By 
these means many families provide their coffee, sugar, tea, 
and various articles of apparel. 

Eggs, when plenty, as at the close of winter and spring, 
sell for ten and twelve cents per dozen. 

In noticing poultry, I ought not to pass over some of 
our wild fowl. 

Ducks, geese, swans, and many other aquatic birds, visit 
our waters in the spring. The small lakes and sloughs 
are often literally covered with them. Ducks, and some 
of the rest, frequently stay through the summer and breed. 

3* 



30 A GAZETTEER 

The prairie fowl is seen in jrreat numbers on the prairies 
in the sunnmer, and about the cornfields in the winter. 
This is the grouse of the New York market. They are 
easily taken in the winter. 

Partridges, (the quail of New England) are taken with 
nets, in the winter, by hundreds in a day, and furnish no 
trifling item in the luxuries of the city market. 

Bees. This laborious and useful insect is to be found 
in the trees of every forest. Many of the frontier people 
make it a prominent business after the frost has killed 
the vegetation, to hunt them for the honey and wax, both 
of which find a ready market. Bees are profitable stock 
for the farmer, and are kept to a considerable extent. 

Silkworms are raised by a few persons. They are ca- 
pable of being produced to any extent, and fed on the com- 
mon black mulberry of the country. 



MANUFACTURES. 

In the infancy of a state, little can be expected in 
machinery and manufactures. And in a region so much 
deficient in water power as some parts of Illinois are, still 
less may be looked for. Yet Illinois is not entirely de- 
ficient in manufacturing enterprise. 

The principal salines of this state have been mentioned 
under the head of minerals. 

Steam Mills for flouring and sawing are becoming very 
cominon, and in general are profitable. Some aie now in 
operation with four runs of stones, and which manufacture 
one hundred barrels of flour in a day. Mills propelled by 
steam, water, and animal power, are constantly increasing. 
Steam mills will become numerous, particularly in the 
southern and middle portions of the state, and it is de- 
serving remark that while these portions are not well sup- 
plied with durable water power, they contain, in the 
limber of the forest, and the inexhaustible bodies of bitu- 
minous coal, abundant supplies of fuel, while the north- 
ern portion, though deficient in fuel, has abundant water 
povver. 



OF ILLINOIS. 31 

A. good steam saw-mill with two saws can be built for 
2,000 dollars; and a steam flouring mill with two runs of 
stones, elevators and other apparatus complete, and of 
sufficient force to turn out forty or fifty barrels of flour per 
day, maybe built for 6,000 dollars. 

Tlie northern half of the state will be most abundantly 
supplied with water power, and ordinary mills for sawing 
lumber and grinding grain are now in operation on the 
various streams. Probably in no part of the great west 
does there exist the capability of such an immense water 
power, as is to be found naturally, and which will be 
created artificially along the rapids of the Illinois and Fox 
rivers, and the Illinois and Michigan canal. Incorporated 
companies with ample means are now constructing hy- 
draulic works at Ottawa, Marseilles, and other points 
along the rapids of the Illinois. Fox river rapids have a 
descent of sixteen feet at Green's mills, four miles above 
Ottawa, with abundant supplies of water at its lowest 
stage; and the river itself, from thence to McHenry county, 
is a rapid stream with rocky banks, admirably suited for 
hydraulic purposes. On the Kankakee are some fine 
sites for water privileges. Rock river furnishes abundant 
facilities for hydraulic purposes, especially at Grand De- 
tour and Rockford. A company engaged in the estab- 
lishment of a large town at the mouth of Rock river, has 
been recently chartered by the legislature for the purpose 
of cutting a canal from a point on the Mississippi at the 
upper rapids, to Rock river, by which they expect to gain 
eighteen feet fall and immense hydraulic power. 

It is expected that the improvement of the Kaskaskia 
and Little Wabash rivers, as provided for by the recent 
law of the state, will create valuable water privileges 
along these streams. 

Certainly, in connection with the improvement of the 
Great Wabash river by the joint operations of Indiana 
and Illinois, hydraulic power to any desirable extent will 
be created. Such will be the effect, too, upon Sangamon 
and other rivers within the state. Des Plaines river, and 
also the Calumet, furnish extensive hydraulic privileges; 



32 A GAZETTEER 

and the surplus water provided by the construction of the 
Illinois and Michigan canal, and which may be conveni- 
ently applied to manufacturing purposes, is estimated to 
be equal to that required for running 700 pairs of mill 
stones four and half feet in diameter. 

Incorporations for companies for various manufacturing 
purposes have been granted by the legislature within the 
last four or five years, some of which have been organised 
and commenced operations. The conclusion is, that Illi- 
nois will furnish as great facilities for manufacturii;g pur- 
poses, as soon as the circumstances and wants of the 
community shall call for their operation, as can be found in 
any western state. 

Large quantities of castor oil ^re annually manufactured 
in Illinois from the palma christi, or castor bean. A num- 
ber of presses are in operation in Madison, Greene, Ma- 
coupen, St. Clair, Randolph, Edwards, and perhaps other 
counties. The most extensive establishment is at Ed- 
wardsville, owned by Mr. John Adams, where from thirty 
to forty thousand gallons of oil are made annually. 

Cotton Goods. A few factories for spinning cotton yarn 
have been put into operation in several counties on a small 
scale of from one hundred to two hundred spindles each. 
They are carried by animal power on the inclined plane. 

Coarse clothing from cotton is manufactured in the 
southern portion of the state, where the article is raised in 
small quantities. Woollen cloth, and jeans, a mixture of 
wool and cotton, is made for ordinary wear, as is cloth 
from flax. 

Lead. In Jo Daviess county are eight or ten furnaces 
for smelting lead. The amount of this article made an- 
nually at the mines of the Upper Mississippi, has been 
given under the head of minerals. 

Boat Building will soon become a branch of business 
in this state. Some steamboats have been constructed 
already within this state, along the Mississipj)i. It is 
thought that Alton and Chicago are convenient sites for 
this business. 

There is in this state, as in all the western states, a 



OF ILLINOIS. 33 

lar^e amount of domestic manufactures made by families. 
All the trades, needful to a new country, are in existence. 
Carpenters, wagon makers, cabinet makers, blacksmiths, 
tanneries, etc., may be found in every county and town. 
At Mount Carmeland Springfield, there are iron foundries 
for castings. 

There has been a considerable falling off in the manu- 
facture of whiskey within a few years, and it is sincerely 
hoped by thousands of citizens that this branch of busi- 
ness, so decidedly injurious to the morals and happiness 
of the community and of individuals, will entirely decline. 

Ox mills on the inclined plane, and horse mills by 
draught, are common throughout the middle and southern 
j)arts of the state. 

With the table of the census, taken in 1835, and pub- 
lished by authority of the legislature the succeeding win- 
ter, the following report was made. 

Manufactories, . . . • 339 

Mills, 916 

Machines, ..... 87 

Distilleries, 142 

This report is defective and imperfect. In some coun- 
ties ordinary mechanics' shops, such as tinners, coopers, 
wheelwrights, &c., were reported under the head of 
manufactories; in others no distinction was made. 



NATURAL CURIOSITIES AND ANTIQUITIES. 

On the banks of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and 
the bluffs that overhang the alluvions, are many singular 
appearances. These consist of ledges of rock, which ex- 
hibit the most fanciful forms, and in many places are 
penetrated by caverns of various dimensions. Of these 
the ^^Cavein Mock,''' on the Ohio will be described under 
its own name. The "Devil's Anvil," "Grand Tower," 
"Starved Rock," "Buffaloe Rock," "Mount Joliet," and 



34 A GAZETTEER 

many other singular appearances will be found under Iheir 
respective names, in the third part of this work. 

The Fossil Tree of the Des Pluines and to which allu- 
sion has been made already, is fully described by Mr. 
Schoolcraft, in a memoir read before the American Geolo- 
gical Society, in 1821. 

It lies in a horizontal position, imbedded in a stratum 
if flcetz sandstone, of a gray colour and close grain. The 
middle portion of the trunk is fifty-one feet six inches in 
length, and is eighteen inches in diameter at the smallest 
end. It is a species of the juglans nigra, or black walnut, 
a tree common to the Illinois, and completely petrified. 
It lies in the bed of the Des Plaines about forty rods 
above its junction with the Kankakee. 

Petrifications are very common in Illinois. The "lost 
rocks," or boulders scattered over a surface of an evident 
diluvial deposit, are a curiosity. They are in great num- 
bers towards the he heads of the Kaskaskia and Sanga- 
mon rivers, and become more numerous and are found at 
various depths in the soil, as the traveller passes north- 
ward along the great prairies. Indeed the geological for- 
mation of the whole state, presents a rich field for inves- 
tigation in that science. 

The antiquities of Illinois are similar to those of other 
western states. Indian graves are common, especially 
along the bluffs. Fragments of bones and not unfrequent- 
ly whole skeletons, in a tolerable state of preservation, 
are found deposited from two to three feet below the sur- 
face. In not a few instances they are found enclosed 
with stone slabs, undressed, and obtained from the neigh- 
ing cliffs. There are no proofs of a pigmy race of aborig- 
ines in the western states. Graves are not unfreqiient 
where the length from the head to the foot stone, does not 
exceed four feet, and yet contain the skeleton of an adult 
of full stature. In such instances it M'ill be found upon 
careful examination of the position of the bones, that the 
leg and thigh bones lie parallel, and that the corpse was 
inhumed with the knees bent into that position. Some 
bones of unusual size have been discovered, but 1 am not 
acquainted with facts to justify a supposition of a race of 



OF ILLINOIS. 35 

pants. Bones of a huge animal, but different fronn the 
Mammoth, have been recently found in St. Clair county. 

About the Gallatin and Big Muddy salines, large frag- 
ments of earthenware, are very frequently found, under 
the surface of the earth. They appear to have been por- 
tions of large kettles, used, probably, by the natives for 
obtaining salt. Small fragments of earthenware, arrow 
and spear heads, stone axes and mallets, and other anti- 
quities, are found in various parts of the state. Silver 
coins of ancient origin have been found at Kaskaskia. 
They were probably brought there by the Jesuits, or 
the early French emigrants. 

Of one thing the writer is satisfied, that very imperfect 
and incorrect data have been relied upon and very erro- 
neous conclusions drawn, upon western antiquities. 
Whoever has time and patience, and is in other respects 
qualified to explore this field of science, and will use his 
spade and eyes together, and restrain his imagination 
from running riot amongst mounds, fortifications, horse- 
shoes, medals, and whole cabinets of relics of the " olden 
time," will find very little more that the indications of 
rude savages, the ancestors of the present race of Indians. 

Of ancient military works, I have long been convinced 
that not half a dozen such structures ever existed in the 
west before the visits of Europeans. Enclosures of va- 
rious sizes, and perhaps for diflferent purposes, with an 
embankment of earth, three or four feet high, and a tri- 
fling ditch out of which the earth was dug, imdoubtedly 
were formed. In all probability some of these embank- 
ments enclosed their villages; others the residence of 
their chiefs or head men. But what people, savage, bar- 
barous, civilised, or enlightened, ever constructed a forti- 
fication around five or six hundred acres, with a ditch in the 
inside! Or what military people made twenty or thirty such 
forts, within two or three miles! At any rate I am confident 
these immense armies of military heroes never visited 
Illinois. 

The remains of Fort Chartres, commenced by the 
French in 1720, to defend their infant settlements against 
the Spaniards and Indians, is probably the most ancient 



36 A GAZETTEER 

military work within this state, of which any portion 
now remains. 

Those who are particularly desirous of information 
concerning the millions of warriors, and the bloody bat- 
tles in which more were slain than ever fell in all the 
wars of Alexander, Caesar, or Napoleon, with a particu- 
lar description of their military works, would do well to 
read the " Book of Mormon^'''' made out of the " golden 
plates" of that distinguished antiquarian Joe Smith! 

It is far superior to some modern productions on west- 
ern antiquities, because it furnishes us with the names 
and biography of the principal men who were concerned 
in these enterprises, with many of the particulars of their 
wars for several centuries. But, seriously, the attention 
of scientific men is invited to this subject. 

And as a starting question to such an investigation, it 
ought to be first settled how long human bones will re- 
tain their form and solidity without decomposition, when 
exposed to the air, earth, water, and other causes of de- 
cay, interred two or thee feet deep in the earth. Will 
they preserve their form and soundness over two, or at 
the most three hundred years'? Are not the relics of the 
early pilgrims of New England, and the first settlers of 
Jamestown mouldered entirely to dust? Will any one 
say that human skeletons, entombed as those are in the 
mounds of Illinois, but two or three feet below the sur- 
face, remain in a state of preservation five or six hundred 
years'? A sober investigation of these questions would 
result in an entire overthrow of the hypothesis of exist- 
ing races of men prior to the Indians, founded upon such 
remains. 

The existence of " Jfowwrfs" in this and other western 
states has been assumed as substantial proof, amounting 
to demonstration, of a race of men of enterprising habits, 
and far more civilised than the present race of aborigines. 
But it is now seriously questioned whether these mounds 
are the work of art. I know not that any writer ever 
ventured to attack this supposition till John Russell, Esq. 
sent forth his essay in the Illinois Magazine, of March, 



OF ILLINOIS. 37 

1831. Mr. Russell is a citizen of this state, and well 
known as a writer of talents and literary acquirements. 
He has had an opportunity of examining for himself, many 
of those mounds, of various dimensions. He maintains 
they are not artificial, and offers objections to their being- 
productions of human art, not easily obviated.* 

But there are many mounds in the west, that exactly 
correspond in shape wiih these supposed antiquities, and 
yet from their size most evidently were not made by 
man. 

Monk hill, in the American bottom, near the road from 

* In the summer of^ 1836, Mr. Russell made a most interest- 
ing and curious discovery, pertaining to the antiquities of Illi- 
nois, in the range of bluffs that overhang BlufFdale, Greene 
county, the place of his residence. 

At an elevation of 80 feet above the valley, in a projecting 
cliff, and imbedded amongst a mass of loose rocks, Mr. R. found 
on excavating, three shells, nearly similar, each of which exhi- 
bited tbe following characteristics. 

1. They were univalve, and had been bisected, the edges 
worked off, and the inside excavated, so as to resemble some- 
what in appearance the half of a slender, straight gourd with a 
neck tapering proportionably in size from the body. 

'2. Each had evidently been used as an ai'ticle of furniture, 
and had been prepared for the purpose by some sharp instru- 
ment, and each holds about tliree pints. 

3. They are unquestionably of salt water origin, and belong 
to a description of shells not found in the waters of tbe Atlantic, 
or on any part of the American Continent. Similar shells are 
to be found in the South Pacific Ocean and about the Feejee 
islands. 

4. They were most unquestionably deposited in these bluffs at 
the period of their formation. The position in which they were 
found would preclude the idea of their subsequent deposition 
by human or other means. They are not fossil remains, in the 
sense of having undergone any change in their structure, being 
purely natural shells, fashioned into ladles by the art of man. 
Very limited knowledge of the science of Conchology prevents 
me from defining the genus and species of these interesting re- 
mains. They are highly deserving the attention of the curious, 
and are yet in the possession of John Russell, Esq., Postmaster 
at Bluffdale, Illinois. 

4 



38 A GAZETTEER 

St. Louis to Edwardsville, is of tlie following- dimen- 
sions. The circumference of its base is about eight 
hundred yards — its height 90 feet — its shape that of a 
parallelogram. 

Mr. Flint, who has written some fine romances and 
considerable " History and Geography of the Western 
States," describes one in Ohio, between thirty and 
forty rods in circumference, and seventy feet high. It 
would be well to calculate, upon the ordinary labor of ex- 
cavating canals, how many hands, with spades, wheel- 
barrows, and other necessary implements, it would take 
to throw up such a mound within any given time. 

Muunt Juliet on the Des Plaines, is about one mile in 
circumference, and 150 feet high, rising like a pyramid 
of sand. In the northwestern part of Illinois, and in 
the Wisconsin territory, are mounds of much larger di- 
mensions, and compared to which Monk hill is but a 
mole hill. Mount Charles, Sinsinewa, and the Blue 
Mounds are on a grand scale. The latter range is three 
or four hundred feet high, and has an area of several 
hundred acres of table land on its summit. Springs of 
water gush from its sides. Mr. Brigham has an elegant 
farm on one of these mounds. West of the Arkansas 
territory, in the Osage country, and near Clermont's 
village, are a number of large, regularly formed mounds, 
two hundred feet high, ranging with each other, and 
extending in a line for ten or twelve miles. They are 
level on the top, and contain from two to five acres of 
table land, and the sides are so steep as to be inacces- 
sible excepting in one or two places. The country around 
is an immense prairie, nearly level. 

These large mounds are of the same shape and propor- 
tions as the smaller ones. Who supposes these to be works 
of human art? Who will place these among the antiquities 
of a country? 

If any one will account for the formation of these stu- 
pendous works of nature, in a country of unquestionably 
diluvial formation, there are men who make no preten- 
sions to the rank of western antiquarians, who will ac- 



OF ILLINOIS. 39 

count for the formation of the smaller ones, of a few feet 
elevation, without the aid of an extinguished race of men. 
Until further evidence of their being the work of men's 
hands, I shall class them among the natural curiosities of 
the country. 



CLIMATE AND HEALTH. 

The state of Illinois, extending as it does, through five 
and half degrees of latitude, must possess some variety 
in its climate. Its extensive prairies, and its level sur- 
face, give greater scope to the winds, especially in winter. 
Snow frequently falls, but seldom lies long, during the 
three winter months, in the southern portion of the state. 
In the northern portion, the winters are nearly as severe 
as in the same parallel of latitude in the Atlantic states. 
The Mississippi at St. Louis is frequently frozen over and 
passed on the ice, and ocoasionally for several weeks. The 
hot season is longer,, though not more intense, than occa- 
sionally for a day or two in New England. 

During the years 1 817-18-19, the Rev. Mr. Giddings, at 
St. Louis, made a series of observations upon Farenheit's 
thermometer. 

Deg. Hund. 
Mean temperature for 1817, . . . 55 . 52 
Do. do. from the beginning 

of May, 1818, to the end of April 

1819 56 . 98 

Mean temperature for 1820 . . . . 56 . 18 
The mean of these results is about fifty six degrees and 
a quarter. 

The mean temperature of each month during the above 
years, is as follows: 

Deg. Hund. 

January 30 . 62 

February 38 . 65 

March 43 . 13 

April 58 . 47 



40 A GAZETTEER 

Ceg. Hund. 

May 62 . 65 

June 74 . 47 

July 78 . 66 

August 72 . 88 

September 70 . 10 

October 59 . 00 

November 53 . 13 

December 34 . 33 

The mean temperature of the different seasons is as 
follows: 

Winter, 34. 53— Spring:, 54. 74— Summer, 74.34— Au- 
tumn, 60.77. 

The greatest extremes of heat and cold dnrin;^ my re- 
sidence in the country for seventeen years, in the vicinity 
of St. Louis, is as follows: 

Greatest heat in July 1820, and July 1833, 100 degrees. 
Greatest cold January 3d, 1834, 18 degrees below zero. 

The foregoing facts will doubtless apply to about one 
half of Illinois. This climate also is subject to sudden 
changes from heat to cold; from wet to dry, especially 
from November to May. The heat of the summer below 
the 40th degree of latitude is more enervating, and the 
system becomes more easily debilitated than in the brac- 
ing atmosphere of a more northerly region. 

The putting forth of vegetation in the spring, furnishes 
data for the most correct conclusions concerning the cli- 
mate of a country. Some facts gathered from the obser- 
vations of a series of seasons, will be presented in the 
appendix. 

Winds. Southwesterly winds prevail during the spring, 
summer and autum, at least south of the forty-first degree 
of latitude. In the spring, and during the rise of the 
Missouri, they are from a more westerly direction, and 
rains are usually more frequent. During the latter part 
of summer and autumn the air is dry and elastic. In the 
months of December and January northwest and northerly 
winds often prevail. Nortiieast storms are extremely rare, 
unless towards lake Michigan. 



OF ILLINOIS. 41 

Weather. There is a great proportion of clear, plea- 
sant days throughout the year. Dr. Beck, who resided at 
St. Louis during the year 1820, made observations upon 
the changes of the weather, and produced the following 
results. 

Clear days, 245. — Cloudy, including all the variable 
days, 110. 

The results of nny own observations, kept for twelve 
years, with the exception of 1826, and with some irregu- 
larity, from travelling into different parts of Illinois and 
Missouri during the time, do not vary in any material de- 
gree from the above statement. 

The putting forth of vegetation in the spring furnishes 
some evidence of the character of the climate of any coun- 
try, though by no means entirely accurate. Other causes 
combine to advance or retard vegetation. A wet or dry 
season, or a few days of heat or cold at a particular crisis, 
will produce material changes. 

The following table is constructed from memoranda 
made at the various dates given, near the latitude of St. 
Louis, wliich is computed at 38° 30'. The observations 
of 1819 were made at St. Charles and vicinity^, in the 
slate of Missouri. Those of 1820, in St. Louis county 
17 miles N. W. from the city of St. Louis. The re- 
mainder at Rock Spring, Illinois, 18 miles east from St. 
Louis. It will be perceived, the years are not consecu- 
tive. In 1826, the writer was absent to the eastern states, 
and for 1828 his notes were too imperfect to answer the 
purpose. 

In the columns showing the times of the first snows, 
and the first and last frosts in the season, a little explana- 
tion may be necessary, A " light" snow means merely 
enough to whiten the earth, and which usually disappears 
in a few hours. 

Many of the frosts recorded " light" were not severe 
enough to kill ordinary vegetation. 

4* 



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OF ILLINOIS. 



43 



The following observations were made at Aug:usta, 
Hancock county, and kindly furnished by S. B. Mead, 
M. D. 



1834 


April 13 
April 14 


April 14 


April 22 
April 9, 
15. 


Sept. 11 


Dec. 2 


April 13 
April 25 
April 13 
April 12 


April 19 



Gooseberries leav- 
ed out, 
Crab Apple, 
Thorn, 
Black Hare, 
Elm, 

Forest crreen. 
Prairies green 

First killing frost, 
First snow, 
Gooseberry in blos- 
som. 
Crab Apple, 
Wild plum, 
Shadhush, 
Redbud, 



The dates are at the time Dr. M. first observed this 
progress of vegetation. Augusta is 108 miles, (according 
to the land surveys) north of St. Louis, and is nearly 
equidistant from the northern and southern extremities 
of the state. 

I have before me also from Dr. Mead, a tab]e of Mete- 
orological observations taken during the years 1834, 1835, 
and 1836, a mere epitome of which I have room to give 
in this place, including the mean temperature for each 
month. The observations were made half an hour after 
sun-rise, at two o'clock, P. M., and half an hour after sun- 
set, from Fahrenheit's Thermometer. 



1»JD 

April 11 
April 30 
April 30 


May 15 

April 30 


Sept. 23 

Nov. 20 


April 29 
May 9 
April 29 
April 25 


May 6 



1836 



April 


25 


April 28 


April 28 


April 28 


April 


28 


May 


5 


April 23, 


25 




Oct. 


4. 


Nov. 


21 


April 


24 


May 


7 


April 


29 


May 


5 


May 


1, 


15, 


20 



44 



A GAZETTEER 



1834 


Dei?. 


Hund. 




Deg. 


Hund 


January, 


20 


. 88 


July, 


77 


. 59 


February, 


44 


.48 


August, 


77 


. 40 


March, 


45 


. 30 


September, 


64 


. 03 


April, 


57 


. 90 


October, 


56 


. 25 


May, 


61 


. 95 


November, 


48 


. 09 


June, 


71 


. 10 


December, 


36 


. 76 








Annual mean 


55 


. 32 


1835 


Deg. 


Hund 




Deg. 


Hund 


January, 


37 


. 23 


July, 


72 


. 61 


February, 


22 


. 72 


Aug\ist, 


70 


. 87 


March, 


43 


. 91 


September, 


62 


. 23 


April, 


52 


. 56 


October, 


57 


.97 


May, 


68 


. 12 


November, 


40 


• 55 


June, 


71 


. 15 


December. 
Annual mean 


36 


.37 








52 


. 02 


1836 


Deg. 


Hund. 




Deg. 


Hund. 


January, 


31 


. 82 


July, 


75 


. 03 


February, 


31 


. 41 


August, 


71 


. 59 


March, 


37 


. 39 


September, 


66 


. 00 


April, 


53 


. 08 


October, 


50 


. 65 


May, 


67 


. 40 


November, 


44 


. 89 


June, 


70 


. 11 


December, 


24 


. 84 








Annual mean. 


51 


. 01 






WEAT 


HER. 








Fair days 


C 


loudy. Rainy. 




Snow. 


1834 


246 




74 42 




3 


1835 


250 




67 43 




5 


1836 


229 




78 48 




10 



Diseases. The more common diseases of Illinois are 
interrnittents, frequently accompanied with bilious symp- 
toms. Those vi^hich prove fatal in sickly seasons are 
bilious remittents. More than one half of the sickness 
endured by the people is caused by imprudence, bad 
management, and the want of proper nursing. Emigrants 
from the northern states or from Europe, will find it ad- 



OF ILLINOIS. 45 

vantageous to protect themselves from the cool and hu- 
mid atmosphere at night, to provide close dwellings, yet, 
when the atmosphere is clear, to have their rooms, and 
especially their sleeping rooms, well ventilated, and in- 
variably wear thin clothing in the day, and put on thicker 
apparel at night or when exposed to wet. 

Families are seldom sick who live in comfortable 
houses with tight floors and well ventilated rooms, and 
who upon a change of weather, and especially in a time 
of rain, make a little fire in the chimney, though it may 
be in the midst of summer. 

I have seen but few cases of genuine consumption. 
Affection of the liver is more common. Pleurisies, and 
other inflammatory diseases, prevail in the winter and 
spring. Ophthalmia prevails at some seasons. Dysen- 
tery is not uncommon. Fewer die in infancy than in the 
old states. 

Finally, I am prepared to speak decidedly in favor of 
the general health of Illinois. 



CIVIL DIVISIONS. 

There are seventy counties within the state, in sixty 
of which courts are held. In the others the judge of 
the circuit where they lie, is authorised to organise them 
by appointing an election for county officers whenever in 
his opinion there are three hundred and fifty inhabitants 
within their boundaries. Their names, dates of formation, 
number of square miles, population of the state census of 
1835, (with the estimation of certain new counties since 
formed,) and seats of justice are given in the appendix. 

For the purpose of electing representatives to congress, 
the state is divided into three districts, each of which 
sends one representative. 

The first district is composed of the counties of Galla- 
tin, Pope, Johnson, Alexander, Union, Jackson, Frank- 
lin, Perry, Randolph, Monroe, St. Clair, Washington, 
Clinton, Bond, Madison, and Macoupen. 



46 A GAZETTEER 

The second district includes the counties of White, 
Hamilton, Jefferson, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, Law- 
rence, Clay, Marion, Fayette, Montgomery, Shelby, 
Vermilion, Champaign, Edgar, Coles, Clark, Iroquois, 
Crawford, Effingham and Jasper. 

The third district is composed of the following counties: 
Greene, Morgan, Sangamon, Tazewell, Macon, McLean, 
La Salle, Cook, Putnam, Peoria, Henry, Jo Daviess, 
Rock Island, Mercer, Warren, Hancock, McDonongh, 
Fulton, Knox, Schuyler, Adams, Pike, Calhoun, Will, 
McHenry, Benton, Boone, Kane, Ogle, Whiteside, Ste- 
phenson, Winnebago, Coffee, Bureau, and Livingston. 

For judiciary purposes the state is divided into seven 
circuits, in each of which a circuit judge is appointed. 

The First Judicial Circuit includes llie counties of San- 
gamon, Morgan, Greene, Macoupen, Macon, McLean, 
Tazewell, 

The Second Judicial C^>cti^7 includes the counties of Ma- 
dison, St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph, Washington, Clin- 
ton, Bond, Shelby, Fayette, Montgomery, and Effingham. 

The Third Judicial Circuity includes the counties of 
Gallatin, Pope, Johnson, Alexander, Union, Jackson, 
Perry, Franklin, Marion, Jefferson, and Hamilton. 
? The Fourth Judicial Circuit includes the counties of 
Edgar, Vermilion, Champaign, Coles, Jasper, Clay, 
Wayne, White, Edwards and Wabash. 

The Fifth Judicial Circuit embraces the counties of Cal- 
houn, Pike, Adams, Schuyler, Hancock, Warren, Knox; 
McDonough and Fulton. 

The Sixth Judicial Circuit includes the counties of Jo 
Daviess, Rock Island, Mercer, Henry, Putnam, Peoria 
Ogle, and Winnebago. Whiteside is in this circuit; but 
for judicial purposes attached to Ogle county, as are also 
the counties of Stephenson and Boone, formed at the re- 
cent session of the legislature, attached to Winnebago 
county. The judge of the circuit has authority by law to 
autliorise them to be organised whenever petition and 
proof is offered that a county contains three hundred and 
fifty inhabitants. 



OF ILLINOIS. 47 

The Seventh Judicial Circuit includes the counties of 
Iroquois, Cook, Will, La Salle, Kane, and McHenry. 

Counties are not subdivided into townships as in Indi- 
ana, Ohio, and the more eastern states. For the conveni- 
ence of holding elections, the county commissioner's court 
is required to divide the county into '•''precincts^'''' and de- 
signate the house or place in each precinct M^here the 
polls shall be opened. 

Electors throughout the county vote at which precinct 
they please. 



GOVERNMENT. 

The constitution of Illinois was formed by a convention 
held at Kaskaskia, in August, 1818. It provides for the 
distribution of the powers of government into three dis- 
tinct departments. — The legislative, executive, and judi- 
ciary. The legislative authority is vested in a general 
assembly, consisting of a senate and house of representa- 
tives. Elections are held biennially, as are the ordinary 
sessions of the legislature. Senators are elected for four 
years. 

The executive power is vested in the governor, who is 
chosen every fourth year by the electors for representa- 
tives, but the same person is ineligible for the next suc- 
ceeding four years. The lieutenant governor is also cho- 
sen every four years. 

The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, and 
such inferior courts as the general assembly from time to 
time shall establish. The supreme court consists of a 
chief justice and three associate judges. 

The governor and judges of the supreme court consti- 
tute a council of revision, to which all bills that have 
passed the assembly must be submitted. If objected to 
by the council of revision, the same may become a law 
by the vote of a majority of all the members elected to both 
houses. 



48 A GAZETTEER 



Synopsis of the Public Officers^ Terms of Service^ Manner 
of Appointment, and Compensation. 

Governor — Elected by the people, for four years; Salary 
^1000 perannum: eligible for one term only in succession; 
i^alary cannot be diminished during his continuance in 
office. 

Lieutenant Governor — Elected by the people, for four 
years; paid per day during the session of the legislature; 
^ 6 per day during the last session. He is speaker of the 
senate, and becomes Governor in case of a vacancy in the 
latter office. 

Secretary of State — Appointed by the Governor and Se- 
nate diiring pleasure; Salary ^ 1100 per annum, including 
clerk hire; and ^300 per annum, for additional clerk hire 
for 1837 and 1838. Office at Vandalia. 

Auditor of Public Accounts — Elected by the legislature 
biennially; Salary ^ 800; two clerks, ^400 each; with ad- 
ditional for clerk hire during 1837 and 1838, ^400 per 
annum. Office at Vandalia. 

Treasurer — Elected by the legislature biennially; Sa- 
lary ^800; clerk hire $ 800 per annum. Office at Van- 
dalia. 

Adjutant General — Appointed by the Governor during 
pleasure; Salary ^ 100. Office at Vandalia. 

Supreme Judges — Elected by the legislature during good 
behaviour; Salary ^800, with an extra compensation for 
1837 and 1838 of ^200. 

Clerk of the Supreme Court — Appointed by the court du- 
ring good behaviour; fees. Office at Vandalia. 

Circuit Judges — Elected by the legislature during good 
behaviour; Salaries ^ 750, with an additional allowance 
of ^250, during 1837 and 1838, excepting the judge of 
the sjixth judicial circuit. 

Clerks of the Circuit Courts — Appointed by the courts, 
during good behaviour; fees. Offices at the respective 
seats of justice. 



OF ILLINOIS. 49 

Attorney General — Elected by the legislature biennially; 
Salary $ 350 and fees. Office to be kept at Vandalia. 

Six State'' s Aitorneys — Elected by the legislature bien- 
nially; Salaries ^250, and fees. 

Agent for the Sale of Saline Lands — Elected by the le- 
gislature biennially; Salary ^ 200. 

Three Canal Commissioners — Elected by the leo-islature 
biennially; Compensation ^ 5 per diem, while engaged 
in actual business. 

Three Fund Commissioners on Internal Improvement — 
Elected biennially by the legislature; pay ^5 per diem 
while actually employed. 

Seven Commissioners of the Board of Public Works — 
Elected biennially by the legislature; pay ^5 per diem 
while in actual service. 

Warden of the Penitentiary — Elected by the legislature 
biennially; Salary ^800. 

Three Inspectors of the Same — Elected by the legislature 
biennially; compensation per diem ^ 2; but not to exceed 
^50 per annum. 



GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

Number of Senators^ 40 — Elected for four years. 

Number of Representatives, 91 — Elected biennially; com- 
pensation regulated by law each se&sion; ^4 per day last 
session. 



OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

Lieutenant Governor, {speaker of the Senate,') pay last 
session ^6 per day. 

Secretary of the Senate — pay at last session, ^ 6 per day, 
and ^ 350 for furnishing a copy of his Journal for the 
press. 

Assistant Secretary of the Senate — pay at last session, 
^5 per day. 
5 



50 A GAZETTEER 

Enrolling and Engrossing Clerk of the Senate — pay at 
last session ^5 per day. 

Doorkeeper of the Senate — pay at last session ^ 4 per day. 

Speaker of the House of Representatives — pay at the last 
session, % 6 per day. 

Principal Clerk of the House of Representatives — pay at 
the last session ^ 6 per day, and ^ 350 for preparing his 
Journal for the press. 

Assistant Clerk of the House of Representatives — pay at 
last session ^ 5 per day. 

Enrolling and Engrossing Clerk of the House of Repre- 
sentatives — pay at last session, % 5 per day. 

Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives^-^ay $ 4 per 
day. 

There is some variation in compensation each session. 
From 20 to 25 per cent, was added hy the late legislature 
to former rates, which does not equal the increased value 
of labor in every other branch of business within the last 
two years. The legislature usually sits from 70 to 90 
days. Last session continued 93 days. 

The amount of the pay of the legislature, with the pre- 
sent number of members, at a session of 90 days, at ^4 
per day, is ^46,080. 

Officers and Clerks of the legislature, ^5,380. 

Contingent expenses per session, for fuel, stationary, 
repairs, furniture, etc., ^ 6,000. 

Public printing of various kinds, including binding and 
distributing the laws, journals, etc., $ 12,000. 

Making the biennial expenses for legislation, about 
$ 70,000, or $ 35,000 per annum. 

The appropriations for the contingent fund for 1837, 
'38, are $ 4000 per annum. 

Salaries of the Executive and Judiciary officers, $ 18, 
700; making the whole ordinary annual expenditures of 
the state about ^ 53,700. 

The revenue of the state is derived principally from 
land taxes. The tax on lands of residents aoes into the 
county treasuries, for county purposes, while the tax orv- 



OF ILLINOIS. 51 

the lands of non-residents goes into the state treasury for 
state purposes. 

The quantity of land subject to taxation on the first of 
August, 1836, was 5,335,041 acres. And the quantity sub- 
ject to taxation 

In 1837 will be 5,674,452 

In 1838 5,90-2,127 

In 1839 6,262,367 

In 1840 6,616,380 

In 1841 7,837,218 

And in 1842 about 12,000,000 

Lands sold by the general government are not subject 
to taxation under five years after purchase. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 

Judges of Probate — Formerly elected by the legislature, 
during good behaviour; hereafter to be elected by the peo- 
ple; fees. 

Sheriffs — Elected by the people, biennially; fees. 

Coroners — Elected by the people, biennially; fees. 

County Commissioners — Three in each county, to man- 
age county concerns; Elected by the people biennially: 
^ 150 per day while employed in court. Regular sessions, 
first Mondays in March, June, September, and December. 

County Clerk — Elected by the people; collector of taxes 
on non-residents' lands, fees; and per diem allowance 
while attending court. 

County Treasurer — Hereafter elected by the people, bi- 
ennially; per centage and per diem allowance, on moneys 
received and services performed. 

County Surveyors — Elected by the people quadrennial- 
ly; fees. 

County Recorders — Elected by the people quadrennial- 
ly; fees. 

Justices of the Peace — Elected by the people quadrenni- 
ally; fees. 

Constables — Elected by the people quadrennially; fees. 



52 A GAZETTEER 

Notaries Public — Appointed by the Governor and Se- 
nate, during good behaviour; fees. 

Supervisors of Roads — Appointed by the county com- 
missioners annually; exempt from military duly and serv- 
ing on juries, but receive no other compensation. 

Public Mnilnlstrator — Ai)pointed by the Governor and 
Senate; term indefinite; fees. 

Commissioner of the school funds arising from the sale 
of the sections numbered sixteen; appointed by the coun- 
ty commissioners, who fix his compensation. 

The right of suffrage is universal. All white male in- 
habitants, twenty-one years of age, \A\q have resided 
within the state six months next preceding the elections, 
enjoy the right of electors. 

Votes are given viva voce. The introduction of slavery 
is prohibited. The constitution can be altered only by a 
convention. 



PLANS OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. 

Those undertaken by the state are embraced in two di- 
visions. The Illinois and Michigan canal, and the inter- 
nal improvement system adopted by the legislature last 
winter. 

The project of uniting the waters of the Illinois river 
with Lake Michiiran was conceived soon after the com- 
mencement of the grand canal of New York. It was 
brought before the legislature of Illinois, at its first ses- 
sion after the state government was organised by Gover- 
nor Bond. The legislature, in February, 1823, appointed 
a board of commissioners to survey the route and esti- 
mate the cost, and make report to the next legislature, 
w^hich was done. These commissioners employed Col. 
Post and Col. Paul of Missouri as engineers. They ex- 
amined five different routes for a portion of the distance, 
and estimated the expense of each route. They varied 
from about ^640,000, to ^71 G, 000. The estimale of the 
fifth route was upon the project of using lake Michigan 



OF ILLINOIS. 53 

alone for a feeder by directing a portion of its waters to 
the Illinois river, and was a fraction short of ^090,000. 

Upon the report of these surveys the legislature passed 
a bill to incorporate the " Illinois and Michig^an Canal 
Company," in January, 1825. No stock having been 
taken, the legislature, at a special session, the next win- 
ter, repealed the law chartering the company. 

The embarrassments of the state in its finances, grow- 
ing out of the ruinous policy of a state bank without capi- 
tal, prevented any thing further from being done until 
January, 1829, when the legislature passed an act to or- 
ganise a board of commissioners, with power to employ 
agents, engineers, surveyors, draftsmen, and other persons, 
to explore, examine, fix, and determine the route of the 
canal. 

The congress of the United States had made provision 
by an act passed March 2d, 1827, to give the state each 
alternate section of land, within five miles of the contem- 
plated canal. 

The commissioners were authorised to sell this land, 
to lay off town sites and sell lots, and apply the funds. 

Accordingly they laid off Chicago near the lake; and 
Ottawa, at the junction of Fox river and the Illinois. 
Town lots and tracts of land were sold, a skilful en- 
gineer employed, surveys were made with more particu- 
larity, the surface of the earth perforated, the waters at a 
low stage examined, and estimates of the expense made. 
It was now ascertained that a supply of water in dry 
seasons, from the streams on its route, was doubtful, 
and that the rock approached so near the surface on the 
summit level between the Chicago, and the Des Plaines, 
as to present a serious obstacle to using the lake for a 
feeder. 

The subsequent legislature authorised a re-examination 
to be made with a view to a railway, and to ascertain 
whether the waters of the Calamic could not be obtained 
in sufficient quantities for a feeder. 

The result was in the report of the engineer to the com- 
missioners; and by them to the legislature, decidedly in 

5* 



54 A GAZETTEER 

favor of a railway. To this project congress has given 
its assent. 

Two estimates of the expense of a canal were sub- 
mitted. The first was on the plan of following the sum- 
mit ten feet above the level of lake Michigan and depend 
on streams for feeders. 

Total cost of the entire line of 95f miles ^1,001,965 
83. Cost on the same location by obtaining a supply of 
water from lake Michigan, by cutting through the divid- 
ing ridge between the lake and the head waters of the 
Illinois river, much of it rock excavation, ^4,043,086 
50. 

The estimated cost of a railway with a single track laid, 
distance 96 miles, is ^1,052,428 19. 

During the summer of 1832, the late Mr. Pugh, visited 
New York, to obtain information of the relative cost and 
value of canals and railways, and to ascertain whether 
funds could be obtained, and on what terms, to complete 
this work. 

The state not having means at its disposal, and the 
session having drawn toward a close, the whole business 
was postponed, by abolishing the office of canal commis- 
sioners. 

At a special session of the legislature held in the win- 
ter of 1835-6, an act was passed for the construction 
of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, the Governor was 
authorised to negociate a loan on the faith and credit of 
the state, not exceeding ^500,000, a board of three com- 
missioners was organised, with full power to employ en- 
gineers, let contracts, dispose of property and carry on the 
whole business on behalf of the state. One is styled the 
*' acting commissioner" with a salary of twelve hundred 
dollars per annum; the others to be styled " President and 
"Treasurer," and to receive compensation for the time of 
their services at the rate of three dollars per day. The 
law specified that said " Canal shall commence at or 
near the town of Chicago, and terminate near the mouth 
of Little Vermilion in La Salle county, and on land owned 
by the state. The law furthermore provided that ♦* said 



OF ILLINOIS. 55 

canal should not be less than forty-five feet wide at the 
surface, thirty feet at the base, and of sufficient depth to 
ensure a navigation of at least four feet, to be suitable for 
ordinary canal boat navigation, to be suj)plied with water 
from Lake Michigan, and such other sources as the canal 
commissioners may think proper, and to be constructed 
in the manner best calculated to promote the permanent 
interest of the country; reserving ninety feet on each side 
of the canal to enlarge its capacity, whenever in t'le opin- 
ion of the board of land commissioners, the public good 
shall require it." 

The commissioners, after a re-examination of the route, 
and obtaining due information from all sources, "deter- 
mined to adopt the recommendation of the chief engineer, 
and construct it of the following dimensions; to wit: — 
sixty feet wide at the top water line; thirty six feet wide 
at the bottom; and six feet deep. The irregular fluctua- 
tions, or tides in the lakes, occasioned by the action of 
high winds, rendered the depth agreed upon, indispen- 
sably necessary to insure a navigation of at least four 
feet." 

This stupendous work commences on the North fork 
of the South branch of Chicago river, four miles to the 
southwest of the city of (yhicago,, (the river itself form- 
ing a deep and naturul canal from this point to the har- 
bour,) and from thence extends to the Des Plaines river 
seven and half miles, at a place called "the Point of 
Oaks." This division presents a cutting 18 feet deep, 
through a substratum of stiflT blue clay. From thence 
down the valley of the Des Plaines to the running out 
of the lake level, 25 miles, the cutting is from 16 to 18 
feet deep, principally through stratified limestone, in stra- 
ta from two to six inches thick. On section 23, T. 36 
N. R. 70, E. of the third principal division, the commis- 
sioners have laid out a town on state property, one mile 
square, called Lockport. Here are to be two locks, ten 
feet lift each, placed in conjunction, so as to create twenty 
feet fall, ?nd an immense water power from the surplus 
water drawn from lake Michigan. Here, also, will be 



56 A GAZETTEER 

constructed a basin for three fourths of a mile, and 120 
feet wide. Froni Lockport the canal proceeds down the 
valley of Des Plaines, to Juliet where it crosses by a dam, 
its line runs past Marseilles, and crosses Fox river by 
an aqueduct betwixt the main bluff and Ottawa. A 
navigable feeder, will connect it with the rapids of Fox 
river, four miles above Ottawa, and extend through the 
town to the Illinois river, where a natural basin, of deep 
water, is at the mouth of Fox river. Below Ottawa, the 
canal passes down the right bank of the Illinois, near the 
bluffs, crosses the Pe-cum-sangan, and Little Vermilion, 
and enters the Illinois river, in the corner of fractional 
section 21, in township 33, N. Range one, east of the third 
principal meridian. To this point the Illinois is naviga- 
ble for steamboats at all stages of water. A steamboat 
basin, or harbor, is to be constructed, and a large town 
laid off on section 15, near the termination of the canal. 

The whole length of the canal including Fox river 
feeder, will be 100 miles, and 28 chains, to which add 
Chicago river, of 5 miles and 44 chains, gives 105 miles 
and 72 chains for the entire length of the navigable line. 

The work has been arranged by the board of commis- 
sioners into three divisions, as given in the following 



General Summary, 

1. Summit Division, including Chicago 
river, 34 miles, 35, 78-100 chains, es- 
timated cost by the Engineer, $ 5,871,324 97 

2. Middle Division, 37 miles, 55,80-100 

chains, estimated cost, 1,510,957 46 

3. Western Division, and Fox river 

feeder, 33 miles, 61 20-100 chains, cost 1,272,055 08 

Total estimated cost $ 8,654,337 51 

The legislature, at its late session, authorised a sur- 
vey of the Calumet, and the Sauga-nas-ke valley with 



OF ILLINOIS. 57 

the view of constructingr a lateral canal, to open a naviga- 
ble communication from the main canal to the Calumet, 
from which it is expected a water communication will be 
made in the slate of Indiana to the Wabash and Erie 
canal. 

Resources. The resources of the state to meet the cost 
of this stupendous work, which will connect the naviga- 
ble waters of the Mississippi and Illinois, with the lakes 
of Canada, the gulf of St. Lawrence, and the canals 
and other lines of communication in Ohio, Pennsylvania 
and New York, arise from the sales of town lots and 
lands along the line of this work. 

Each alternate section, along the line of the canal, and 
ten miles in width, has been granted by congress for the 
purpose. During last year, 375 lots were sold in Chica- 
go, for the gross amount of one million, three hundred and 
fifty five thousand, seven hundred andfifty five dollars. In 
Ottawa, 78 lots sold for 21,358 dollars. The unsold lands 
for canal purposes, belonging to the state amount to 270, 
182 acres, which, including the tovv'n lots laid off, are es- 
timated equal to the expense of the canal. 

Amount of sales for lands and town lots previous to 
1833, §18,798 08| 

Sale of lots at Chicago in June, 1836, after deduct- 
ing forfeitures, ^1,355,755. 

Sale of lots in Ottawa, September, 1836, §21,358. 

The estimated value of the lots in the town of Lock- 
port, and the town laid offat,the termination of the canal 
is one million and a-half dollars. The remainder of the 
canal lands may be estimated at 20 dollars per acre. 

The project of this canal is a vast enterprise for so 
young a state, but truly national in its character, and will 
constitute one of the main arteries in eastern and western 
communication. The work is going forward, and from 
five to eight years is the period estimated for its com- 
pletion. 

Already commerce, in no small extent, is passing along 
that line. Merchants from St. Louis, from along the Illi- 
nois river, from Galena and the Wisconsin territory, and 



58 A GAZETTEER 

especially from tlie Wabash river as far south as Terre 
Haute, bring" their goods that way. 

Were a communication opened between the navigable 
waters, the distance from New York to St. Louis would 
be passed in from sixteen to twenty days. 

I'lie following^ result is founded upon information 
gathered by the commissioners. 

From New York to Buffalo, 5 days. — From Buffalo to 
Chicago, by steamboat.s fitted for lake navigation, 8 days. 
— From Chicago to the foot of the rapids on the railway, 
estimating the speed at 3 miles an hour 33 hours. — From 
the foot of the rapids to St. Louis, by steamboats, 48 hours. 

The whole distance can be passed over in sixteen days, 
but giving four days additional time,- and the transporta- 
tion on this route can be made in twenty days. 

The shipments through Chicago in 1832, amounted to 
300,000 dollars. Li 1833, from April 8 to September 10, 70 
schooners and 2 steamboats had discharged their cargoes. 

In 1835, the arrivals were 9 steamboats, 267 schooners 
and brigs, with 5015 tons of merchandise, and 9400 barrels 
of salt, besides lumber, provisions, etc. 

Li 183u, from April 18th to December 1st, the arrivals 
at Chicago were 40 steamboats, 10 ships and barques, 
26 brigs, 363 schooners, and 8 sloops equal to 60,000 tons. 

The commercial and consequently the agricultural in- 
terests of the whole valley of the Mississippi, are con- 
cerned in the result of this undertaking. For whatever 
amount of produce is thrown off through this channel to 
the Canadas and New York, it increases the advantages 
of a market for the commerce that floats down the Missis- 
sippi. The Missouri, and the Wisconsin territory are no 
less interested in opening this communication. In accept- 
ing the donation of land made by the general government, 
the honor and credit of Illinois is really pledged for the suc- 
cess of this enterprise. There is then no ground for retreat. 

I regret the prescribed limits of this work will net 
permit me to exhibit the important bearing that the 
success of this project will have upon the fur business, 
the lead manufacture, the Indian trade, the rapid settle- 



OF ILLINOIS. 59 

merit and improvement of all the northern portion of the 
state, and the adjacent territory, and upon the prosperity 
of the farmino- community throughout our whole interior. 
It ought to be noticed that a project is now in progress 
in Michigan to construct a railway across the peninsula 
from Detroit to the mouth of the St. Joseph's river, which 
enters lake Michigan nearly opposite and east from Chi- 
cago. This would save the circuitous route by water, and 
greatly lessen the distance and risk. 



GREAT INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM. 

At the late session of the legislature, (188G-7) an act 
was passed to establish and maintain a general system of 
Internal Improvement. 

It provides for a " Board of Fund Commissioners^'''' of 
three persons, and a " Board of Cotnmissioners of Public 
Works,^'' of seven persons one in each judicial circuit. 

The Board of Fund Commissioners are authorised to 
negociate all loans, authorised by the legislature, on the 
faith and credit of the state for objects of Internal Im- 
provement; receive, manage, deposit, and apply all sums 
of money, and manage the whole fiscal concerns of the 
improvement system. 

The Board of Public Works are authorised and re- 
quired to locate, superintend, direct, and construct on 
behalf of the state all works of internal improvement, 
which are or shall be authorised to be undertaken by the 
state (except the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which is 
managed by a distinct Board.) This Board is required 
to hold semiannual meetings in June and December. Each 
member has specificcharge of that portion of the works that 
falls within his own district. They are required to execute 
the works by ^ tting out contracts, except in special cases. 

The Fund Commissioners are authorised to contract 
loans by issuing state stock at a rate not exceeding six 
per centum per annum, and to an amount not exceeding 
eight millions of dollars, redeemable after 1870. 



60 A GAZETTEER 



WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT PROVIDED FOR. 

1. The Great Wabash river in co-operation with the 
state of Indiana, in that part over which both states have 
concurrent jnrisdistion; appropriated ^100,000. 

2. Illinois rivers, ^100,000. 

3. Rock river, ^100,000. 

4. Kaskaskia river, ^50,000. 

5. Little Wabash river ^50,000. 

6. On the Great Western Mail Route leading from 
Vincennes to St. Louis. ^250,000. 

7. A railroad i'rom the city of Cairo, at or near the 
junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, via Vandalia 
Shelby ville, Decatur and Bloomington; — to cross the Illi- 
nois river, at the termination of the Illinois and Michigan 
canal, and from thence, via Savanna to Galena, appro- 
priated ^3,500,000. 

This is called the " Central Rail road," by the people. 

8. A southern cross railroad frona Alton, via Edwards- 
ville, Carlyle, Salem, Fairfield, Albion to mount Carmel; 
from whence it is expected a line will be extended through 
Indiana to New Albany, and become connected with the 
great railroad chartered and surveyed from the Ohio river 
to Charleston, South Carolina. 

Also a railroad from Alton to Shawneetown, to diverge 
from the aforesaid southern cross railroad at Edwards- 
ville, and pass through Lebanon, Nashville, Pinckney- 
ville, Frankfort and Equality. 

And further, a railroad from Belleville via Lebanon, and 
to intersect the road from Alton to Mount Carmel. This last 
will pass near Rock Spring. Appropriated ^1,750,000, 

9. A northern cross railroad from Quincy on the Missis- 
sippi river, via Columbus, Clayton, Mount Sterling, to cross 
the Illinois river at Meredosia, and to Jacksonville, 
Sprigfield, Decatur, Sydney, Danville, and thence to the 
state line in the direction of Lafayette, Indiana, and thus 
form a line of communication with the great works in In- 
diana, and to the eastern states. Appropriated $1,850,000. 



OF ILLINOIS. 61 

10. A railroad from Alton via Upper Alton, Hillsboro, 
Shelbysville, Charleston, Paris, and from thence to the state 
line in the direction of Terre Haute, Indiana, where it 
will be connected with railroad and canal communications 
through that state, both in an estern and southern direction. 
Appropriated, $1,250,000. 

11. A railroad from Peoria, via Canton, Macomb and 
Carthage to Warsaw, on the Mississippi, at the foot of the 
Des Moines rapids. Appropriated $700,000. 

12. A railroad from Bloomington, to Mackinau, and 
from thence two branches to the Illinois river; — one 
through Tremont to Pekin; the other to Peoria. Appro- 
priated $350,000. 

An appropriation of $200,000 was made to those counties 
through which no railroad or canal is made at the cost of 
the state, to be in a rateable proportion to the census of 
1835, and to be applied in the improvement of roads, 
bridges and other public works by the counties. 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT FUND. 

The special fund for this purpose shall consist of all 
moneys raised from state bonds, or stock, or other loans, 
authorised by law; — all appropriations made from time to 
time out of the revenue of the state arising from land taxes; 
— all tolls and rents of water privileges and other tolls from 
the works when constructed; — all rents, profits and issues 
from lands to be purchased on the routes; — the proceeds 
of all donations of lands from the general government, or 
from individuals, companies, or corporations; — a portion of 
the proceeds of the surplus fund distributed by congress; 
together with the net proceeds of all bank and other stocks 
subscribed and owned by the state after liquidating the in- 
terest on loans contracted for the purchase of such bank 
or other stocks. 

A subsequent enactment authorised the Fund Commis- 
sioners to subscribe two millions of dollars stock to the 
State Bank of Illinois, and one million four hundred 
6 



62 A GAZETTEER 

thousand dollars to the Illinois bank at Shawneetown, by 
the creation of six per cent, stock. The net proceeds of 
this stock, after paying interest on the loans will equal six 
per centum per annum, or produce an annual revenue to 
the Internal Improvement fund of $180,000. 

The interest of the state in all these works, all their 
proceeds, with the faith of the state, are irrevocably 
pledged for the payment of the interest and the redemp- 
tion of the principal of all stock and loans for Internal Im- 
provement. 

The improvement of the great western mail route from 
Vincennes to St. Louis, and the special appropriation to 
to the counties, are to be provided for from the first loans 
made. 

The improvement of the rivers is to be for steam, keel 
and flat boats; to be commenced at their mouths and con- 
tinued up as far as the appropriations admit. 

The rail roads are to be commenced at their intersection 
with navigable rivers, and commercial towns, and as soon 
as five miles of any one line is completed the commis- 
sioners are required to place thereon locomotives and 
facilities of transportation, to establish tolls, etc. 

Congress has made an appropriation to improve the 
navigation of the Mississippi at the rapids — a work of im- 
mense inportance to the northern part of this state, and 
the Wisconsin Territory. 

The improvement of the navigation of the Mississippi 
should be regarded and urged as strictly a national work. 
There are two rapids in the Mississippi river, which, in 
times of low water, impede the progress of steamboats. 
One is near the mouth of the Des Moines, and adjoining 
Hancock county, where the water descends over sand 
rocks 25 feet 5 inches in about 11 miles. The other 
commences at Rock Island and extends about fifteen 
miles. The descent of the water in that distance is 21 
feet 10 inches. In both of these rapi<ls there are ledges 
of rocks, with intervals of deep water, extending across 
the river. 

The harbor at Chicago, nearly completed by the gene- 



OF ILLINOIS. 63 

ral government will be of immense benefit to tbat place 
and all the northern portion of the state. It will form one 
of the finest harbors in all the northern lake country. 

T\\e National Road is in progress through this state, 
and considerable inprovemcnt has been made on that 
portion which lies between Vandaiia and the boundary 
of Indiana. This road enters Illinois at the northeast 
corner of Clark county, and passes diagonally through 
Coles and Effingham counties in a southwesterly course 
to Vandaiia, a distance of 90 miles. The road is esta- 
blished 80 feet wide, the central part, 30 feet wide, 
raised above standing water, and not to exceed three 
degrees from a level. The base of all the abutments of 
bridges must be equal in thickness to one third of theheight 
of the abutment. 

But little has been done on this road during the last two 
years. About $220,000 of appropriated funds now remain 
on hand, and arrangements are in progress to work out 
this fund during the present season. 

From Vandaiia, westward, the road is not yet located, 
but the legislature of Illinois with great unanimity have 
consented to its passage through the state, only on the 
contingency it shall pass Alton and cross the Mississippi, 
above the mouth of the Missouri. 

Many companies have been incorporated for the con- 
struction of short canals, rail roads and turnpike roads, 
some of which will be noticed in connection with towns 
etc. 

A railroad from Naples to Jacksonville, now undergoing 
construction ; — another rail road from Jacksonville via 
Lynnville and Winchester to the Illinois river opposite 
Augusta. A third railway has been commenced from Chi- 
cago to the Des Plaines, twelve miles over level prairies 
and designed to extend across the state to Galena. 

Another railroad is now under contract and working 
from the Mississippi, opposite St. Louis, across the Ameri- 
can Bottom to the coal mines in the bluff's of St. Clair 
county. Governor John Reynolds, George E. Walker, 
Vital Jarrot, S. B. Chandler and Louis Boismenu own the 



64 A GAZETTEER 

land and have commenced this railroad, six miles lonor, 
which will be completed before the close of the present 
year. They own a strip of land alon^ the bluffs for three 
miles in extent, filled with exhaustless beds of bitumi- 
nous coal, from which it is expected that not less than one 
million of bushels of coal will be transported annually to 
the river. 

No state in the union possesses such facilities for inter- 
communication by canals and railways, at so cheap a rate 
and which can be so equally distributed to its population, 
as Illinois, 



EDUCATION. 

The congress of the United States, in the act for admit- 
ting the state of Illinois into the union upon equal footing 
with the other western states, grarited to it the section 
numbered sixleoi in every township, or one thirty-sixth 
part of all the public lands within the state, for the use 
of schools. The avails of this section are understood to 
constitute a fund for the benefit of the families living 
within the surveyed township, and not the portion of a 
common fund to be applied by the state for the general 
purposes of education. 

Three per cent of the net proceeds of all the public 
lands, lying within this state, which shall be sold after 
the 1st of January, 1819, is to be paid over by the general 
government, and constitute a common fund for education 
under the direction of the state authority. One sixth of this 
three per cent, fund, is to be exclusively bestowed upon 
a college, or university. 

Two entire townships, or 46,080 acres selected from 
choice portions of the public lands, have likewise been 
given to education. Part of this land has been sold by 
state authority and the avails funded at six per cent, in- 
terest. 

The amount of funds realised from these sources, and 
under charge of the state, (independent of the sixteenth 



OF ILLINOIS. 65 

sections,) is about ^384,183, the interest of which is now 
distributed annually to such schools as make due returns 
to the proper authority. 

By a recent act of the legislature, a moiety of the " .wr- 
phis fund,''^ received from the national treasury, is to be 
converted into bank stock, and the income to be distribu- 
ted to common schools. The income of the three per cen- 
tum from the sales r.f public lands, will continue as long 
as there are public lands to be sold. 

The unsold lands in this state belonging to the general 
government, may be estimated at 18,000,000 of acres. 
Were this sold at the present minimum price, it would 
produce ^22,500,000, of which three per cent, would be 
675,000 dollars. 

But it is highly probable that this immense domain will 
not all be sold at its present price; we will put the ave- 
rage value at 75 cents per acre, or ^13,500,000, of which 
three percent, belonging to this state,_would give ^405,000 
for education purposes. 

The amount of the sections numbered sixteen, and re- 
served for s'"hools in the respective townships, was esti- 
mated by the commissioner of public lands, and reported 
to Congress in April, 1832, at 977,457 acres in Illinois. 

This tract is not usually sold until the township in 
which it lies is somewhat populated, and hence commands 
a higher price than other larids. The section in the vicin- 
ity of Chicago was sold in November, 1833, (after re- 
serving twelve acres,) for ^38,705. Other tracts in set- 
tled portions of the siate have been sold for from five to 
ten dollars per acre. 

Estimating the whole at two dollars per acre, the 
value is ^1,954,914. 

Present fund at interest, ^ 384,183 

Value of Seminary lands unsold, 20,000 

Value of sections numbered sixteen, 1,954,914 

Estimate of the three per cent, fund on all 
public land now unsold in the state, at 
75 cents per acre, 405,000 

6* ^2,704,097 



66 A GAZETTEER 

To this add the moipty of the surplus fund to be in- 
vested in bank stock and the income to be distributed with 
the interest on the school fund, equal to 318,500 dollars; 
but as it is liable to be denfianded by the general govern- 
ment, I have not considered it any portion of the perma- 
nent school fund. 

The funds and claims of Illinois for education pur- 
poses may be estimatnd at three millions nf dollars. 

But it is sincerely and ardently hoped that the patriot- 
ism, foresight, intelligence, and liberality of congress, after 
reducing the price of the j)ublic lands to the actual settler 
and cultivator, will be manifested in applying all future pro- 
ceeds to the object of common schools, by some equitable 
apportionment amongst the several states of tlie Union. 
Hitherto these lands have been pledged for the payment 
of the national debt. That being now accomplished, I 
cannot but hope this question will be settled to the entire 
satisfaction of all parties, by a consecration of the net 
proceeds to the noble, beneficent, and truly national pur- 
pose of educating every child in the Union. Such a dis- 
position of the public domain would reflect more honor on 
this nation, and tend more to its aggrandisement, than a 
hundred wars or a thousand victories. It would provide 
for a triumphant conquest of human ignorance, and carry 
joy and gladness to millions of hearts. 

Notwithstanding the liberal provision in funds and lands 
for education, little has yet been done by the legislature 
in providing a system for common schools. A law was 
framed in 1825, providing for school districts to become 
incorporated, by the action of the county commissioners' 
courts, upon a petition of a majority of the qualified voters 
of any settlement. The voters in each district, by a ma- 
jority of votes, could levy a tax not exceeding one half 
per centum on property, and appoint trustees and other 
officers to manage the business. 

This feature of the law was soon made unpopular, and 
a subsequent legislature repealed that portion that autho- 
rised the levying of a tax, and made other modifications, 
by which it remains on the statute book as a matter of 
very little value. 



OF ILLINOIS. 67 

The preamble to this law establishes beyond controver- 
SJS the great principles for legislative authority and aid 
for common schools. It reads thus: — 

" To enjoy our rights and liberties, we must under- 
stand them; — their security and protection ought to be the 
first object of a free people; — and it is a well established 
fact that no nation has ever continued long in the enjoy- 
ment of civil and political freedom, which was not both 
virtuous and enlightened; — and believing that the ad- 
vancement of literature always has been, and ever will 
be the means of developing more fully the rights of man; 
that the mind of every citizen of every republic, is the 
common property of society, and constitutes the basis of 
its strength and happiness; — it is considered the peculiar 
duty of a free government, like ours, to encourage and 
extend the improvement and cultivation of the intellect- 
ual energies of the whole: Therefore, 

" Be it enacted^ eic.'''' 

Provision now exists by law for the people to organise 
themselves into school districts, and to conduct the affairs 
of the school in a corporate capacity by trustees, and they 
can derive aid from public funds under control of the 
state. 

Upon petition from the inhabitants of a township, the 
section numbered sixteen can be sold, and the proceeds 
funded, the interest of which may be applied annually 
to the teachers of such schools within the township as 
conform to the requisites of the law. To some extent the 
people have availed themselves of these provisions and 
receive the interest of the fund. 

A material defect in all the laws that have been framed 
in this state, on this subject, has been in not requiring the 
necessary qualifications on the part of teachers, and a 
previous examination before a competent board or com- 
mittee. 

Without such a provision no school law will be of much 
real service. The people have suflTered much already, and 
common school education has been greatly retarded by 
the imposition of unqualified and worthless persons under 



68 A GAZETTEER 

the name of school teachers; and were funds ever so libe- 
rally bestowed, they would prove of little real service, 
•without the requisites of sobriety, morality, and suffi- 
cient ability to teach well on the part of those who get 
the pay. 

A complete common school system must be organised, 
sooner or later, and will be sustained by the people. The 
lands, education funds, and wants of the country, call 
for it. 

Many good primary schools now exist, and where three 
or four of the leading families unite and exert their influ- 
ence in favor of the measure, it is not difficult to have a 
good school. 

In each county a school commissioner is appointed, to 
superintend the sales of the sixteenth sections, loan the 
money, receive and apportion the interest received from 
this fund and from the state funds, receive schedule re- 
turns of the number of scholars that attend each school, 
and make report annually to the secretary of state. 

The people in any settlement can organise themselves 
into a school district, employ a teacher, and obtain their 
proportion of the income from the school funds, provided 
the teacher keeps a schedule of the number of scholars who 
attend, the number of days each one is present, and the num- 
ber of days each scholar is absent, a copy of which must be 
certified by the trustees of the district, and returned to the 
school commissioners of the county semiannually. 

If the school is made up from parts of two or more 
townships, a separate schedule of the scholars from each 
township must be made out. 

The term "township" in the school laws merely ex- 
presses the surveys of 36 sections, and not a civil orga- 
nisation. 

Several seminaries, and institutions for colleges, have 
been established and promise success. 

Illinois College. This institution is located in the vi- 
cinity of Jacksonville, and one mile west of the town. 
Its situation is on a delightful eminence, fronting the east, 
and overlooking the town, and a vast extent of beautiful 
prairie country, now covered with well cultivated farms. 



OF ILLINOIS. 69 

This institution owes its existence and prosperity, 
under God, to the pious enterprise of several young men, 
formerly members of Yale College, Connecticut. Most 
of its funds have heed realised from the generous dona- 
tions of the liberal and philanthropic abroad. 

The buildings are as follows: a brick edifice, 104 feet 
in length, 40 feet in width, five stories high, including 
the basement; containing 32 apartments for the accom- 
modation of officers and students. Each apartment con- 
sists of a sitting room, or study, 14 feet by 12, two bed 
rooms, each eight feet square, two dress closets, and one 
wood closet. The basement story embraces a boarding 
hall, kitchen, store rooms, etc. for the general accommo- 
dation. 

To this main building are attached two wings, each 
38 feet long, and 28 feet wide, three stories high, includ- 
ing the basement; for the accommodation of the families 
of the Faculty. 

The chapel is a separate building, 65 feet long, and 36 
feet wide, two stories high, including rooms for public 
worship, lectures, recitations, library, etc. and eight 
rooms for students. 

There are also upon the premises a farm house, barn, 
workshops for students who wish to perform manual 
labor, and other out buildings. 

The farm consists of 300 acres of land, all under fence. 
The improvements and stock on the farm are valued at 
several thousand dollars. 

Students who choose are allowed to employ a portion 
of each day in mgnnal labor, either upon the farm or in 
the workshop. Some individuals earned >^150 each du- 
ring the year. 

The library consists of about 1,500 volumes. There 
is also a valuable chemical and philosophical apparatus. 

The year is divided into two terms, of twenty weeks 
each. The first term commences eight weeks after the 
third Wednesday in September. The second term com- 
mences on the Wednesday previous to the 5th of May; 



70 A GAZETTEER 

leaving eight weeks vacation in the fall and four in the 
spring. 

There are 42 students connected with the college 
classes, and 22 students in the preparatory deparment. 
Of this number, several are beneficiaries, who are aided 
by education societies, with a view to the gospel miuis- 
try. A considerable number more are pious. 

The trustees of the college are Rev. Edward Beecher, 
President, Hon. Samuel D. Lockwood, John P. Wilkin- 
son, Esq., William C. Posey, Esq., Rev. Messrs. The- 
ron Baldwin, John F. Brooks, Elisha Jenney, William 
Kirby, Asa Turner, John G. Bergen, and John Tillson, 
Esq., Rev. Gideon Blackburn, D. D, Gov. Joseph Dun- 
can, Col. Thomas Mather, Winthorp S. Gilman, Esq., 
Frederick Collins, Esq., Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., Trea- 
surer and Agent, Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, Secretary, Jere- 
miah Graves, Superintendant of the Farm. 

Faculty. Rev. Edward Beecher^ A. M. President, and 
Professor of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy and Po- 
litical Economy. 

Rev. J. M. Sturtevant^ A. M. Professor of Mathe- 
matics and Natural Philosophy, and lecturer on Chem- 
istry. 

Truman M. Post, A. M. Professor of the Greek and 
Latin Languages. 

Jonathan Baldwin Tamer, A. M. Professor of Rheto- 
ric and Belles Letters. 

Reuben Gaylord, A. B. Instructor in the preparatory de- 
partment. 

Classes. — Senior, 3; — Junior, 11; — Sophomore, 12; — 
Freshman, 16. Total Collegiate department, 42 

In the Preparatory department, 22 

64 
The course of Instruction is intended to be equal to the 

first rate colleges in the eastern states. 

Shurtleff College of Alton, Illinois, is pleasantly situated 

at Upper Alton. It originated in the establishment of 



OF ILLINOIS. 71 

a Seminary at Rock Spring-, in 1827, and which was sub- 
sequently removed. 

At a meeting held June 4th, 1832, seven gentlemen 
formed a written compact, and agreed to advance funds 
for the purchase of about 360 acres of land, and put up 
an academical building of brick, 2 stories with a stone 
basement, 40 feet long and 32 feet wide. A large stone 
building for a Refectory, and for Professors' and Students' 
rooms has since been erected. The Rev. Hubbel Loomis 
commenced a Preparatory school in 1833. In 1835 build- 
ing lots were laid off within the corporate bounds of the 
tov/n, a part of which was sold, and a valuable property 
still remains for future sale. 

The same year funds to some extent were obtained in 
the eastern slates, of which the liberal donation of ten 
thousand dollars was received from Benjamin Shurtleff 
M. D. of Boston, which gives name to the institution. 
Of this fund 5000 dollars is to be appropriated towards a 
College building, and 5000 dollars towards the endow- 
ment of a Professorship of Oratory, Rhetoric and Belles- 
letters. 

Regular College classes are not yet organised. The 
Preparatory department is in regular progress and con- 
tains about 60 students. 

Rev. Washington Levcrett^ A. M. Professor of Mathe- 
matics, and Natural Philosophy. 

Hev. Zenas B. Newman^ A. M. Principal of the Prepa- 
ratory Department. Measures are progressing to put up 
a large college building, and to complete the organisation 
of the College Faculty. 

Alton Theological Seminary is an organisation distinct 
from Shurtleff College. Rev. Lewis Colby, A. M. is 
Theological Professor, with seven or eight students, li- 
centiates of Baptist churches, under his charge. 

Mc Kcndreean College^ under the supervision of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, is located at Lebanon, St. 
Clair county. It has a commodious framed building, 
and about 50 Students in the Preparatory Department, 
under the charge of two competent instructors. 



72 A GAZETTEER 

Mc Donougk College^ at Macomb, has just commenced 
operations. It is identified with the interests of the 
*' old school" Presbyterians, as the Illinois college at 
Jacksonville is with the " New School" Presbyterians. 

Canton College in Fulton county has recently been 
chartered as a college by the legislature, and is a respect- 
able academical Institution, and has 70 or 80 students. 
Rev. G. B. Perry A. M. formerly pastor of the Spruce 
street Baptist Church Philadelphia, has recently been 
elected president of this Institution. 

A Literary Institution, modeled somewhat after the 
plan of the Oneida Institute in the state of New York, is 
in progress at Galesboro, Knox county, under the super- 
vision of the Rev. Mr. Gale and other gentlemen. 

Belvidere College,in Winnebago county, has been re- 
cently chartered, and an effort is about being made to 
establish a respectable literary institution in this new 
and interesting portion of the slate. 

Several respectable academies and seminaries are also 
in operation, established chiefly by individual effort, 
where good schools are taught. Amongst these we no- 
tice the following, though some of equal importance may 
be overlooked. 

The Jacksonville Academy conducted by Messrs. Charles 
E. Blood, and Charles B. Barton A. B. is established for 
the convenience of those whose studies are not sufficient- 
ly advanced to enter the Preparatory Department of Illi- 
nois College. 

The Jacksonville Female Jicademy is a flourishing insti- 
tution. 

A respectable Academy is in operation at Springfield, 
another at Princeton, Putnam county, a third at Griggs- 
ville, and a fourth at Quincy. 

The Alton Female Seminary is an institution projected 
for a full and useful course of instruction, on a large scale, 
towards the establishment of which Benjamin Godfrey, 
Esq., will contribute fifteen or twenty thousand dollars. 

It is located at Monticello, a little more than four miles 
from Alton, on the borders of a delightful, elevated prairie, 



OF ILLINOIS. 73 

and is designed wholly as a boarding- school. The business 
of instruction will be in the hands of competent ladies. 
The system of instruction will be extensive. The Rev. The- 
ron Baldwin will exercise a general supervision over the 
institution, and lecture on scientific and religious subjects. 

The project of establishing a Seminary, for the educa- 
tion of teachers at Waverley in the southeastern part of 
Morgan county, is entertained by several gentlemen. 

A Seminary is about being established in a settlement 
of Reformed Presbyterians in the eastern part of Randolph 
county. 

The " Reformers," or Campbellites, as some term them, 
have a charter and contemplate establishing a college at 
Hanover, in Tazewell county. 

Thus abroad and deep foundation is about beino-laid in 
this state for the promotion of education. 

Several lyceums and literary associations exist in this 
state, and there is in almost every county a decided 
expression of popular opinion in favor of education. 



RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church is the most numerous. 
The Illinois Conference, which embraces this state and 
a portion of Wisconsin Territory, in 1835 had Gl circuit 
preachers, 308 local preachers, and 15,097 members of 
society. They sustain preaching in every county, and 
in a large number of the settlements. 

The Baptist Denomination includes 22 Associations, 
260 churches, 160 preachers and 7,350 communicants. 

The Presbyterians have one Synod, 8 Presbyteries, and 
about 80 churches, 60 ministers, and 2,500 members. 

There are 12 or 15 Congregationalist churches, united 
in an association, and several ministers. 

The Methodist Protestant Denomination has one confer- 
ence, 22 ministers and 344 members. 

The Reformers^ as they term themselves, or " Campbell- 
ites," as others call them, have several large, and a num- 
7 



74 A GAZETTEER 

ber of small societies, a number of preachers, and several 
hundreil members, includinor the Christian body with 
which they are in union. They immerse all who profess 
to believe in Christ for the remission of sins, but differ 
widely from orthodox baptists on some points of doctrine. 

The Cumberland Presbyterians have 2 or 3 Presbyteries, 
12 or 15 preachers, and several hundred communicants. 

There are two churches of Reformed Presbyterians^ or 
Covenanters^ 1 minister, and about 280 communicants, 
with a few families scattered in other parts of the state. 
There are also two or three societies of Associate Reformed 
Presbyterians.) or Seceders. 

In McLean county is a society of United Brethren, or, 
as some call them, Dutch Methodists. 

The Dunkards have five or six societies and some 
preachers in this state. 

There are several Lutheran congregations with preach- 
ers. 

The Protestant Episcopal Church has an organised 
diocese, 8 or 10 congregations, and 7 or 8 ministers. 

There are small societies of Friends or Quakers in 
Tazewell and Crawford counties; and a few Mormons, 
scattered through the state. 

The Roman Catholics are not numerous. They have a 
dozen congregations, 8 or 10 priests, and a population be- 
tween five and six thousand including old and young. A 
convent and boarding school for young ladies is in opera- 
tion at Kaskaskia. The Roman Catholics are mostly 
about the old French villages, and the laborers along the 
line of canal. 

There is considerable expression of good feeling 
amongst the different religious denominations, and the 
members frequently hear the preachers of each other, as 
there are but few congregations that are supplied every 
Sabbath. The qualifications of the clergymen are various. 
A number of them are men of talents, learning, influence, 
and unblemished piety. Others have had but few advan- 
tages in acquiring either literary or theological informa- 
tion, and yet are good speakers and useful men. 



OF ILLINOIS. 75 

Some are very illiterate, and make utter confusion of the 
word of God. Such persons are usually proud, conceit- 
ed, fanatical, and influenced by a spirit far removed from 
the meek, docile, benevolent, and charitable spirit of the 
gospel. 

In general there are as many professors of religion, of 
some description, in proportion to the population, as in 
most of the states. The number will not vary far from 
40,000, or one to ten. 



PUBLIC LANDS. 

In all the new states and territories, the lands which 
are owned by the general government, are surveyed and 
sold under one general system. In the surveys, " meri- 
dian'''' lines are first established, running north from the 
mouth of some noted river. These are intersected with 
" 6a.se" lines. 

There are five principal meridians in the land surveys 
in the west. 

The " First Frinclpal Meridian"'' is a line due north 
from the mouth of the Miami. 

The " Sec.07id Principal Meridia?i'^ is a line due north 
from the mouth of Little Blue river, in Indiana. 

The " Third Principal Meridian'''' is a line due north 
from the mouth of the Ohio. 

The Fourth Principal Meridian''^ is a line due north 
from the mouth of the Illinois. 

The ^^ Fifth Principal Meridian''^ is a line due north 
from the mouth of the Arkansas. Each of these meridians 
has its own base line. 

The surveys connected with the third and fourth meri- 
dians, and a small portion of the second, embrace the state 
of Illinois. 

The base line for both the second and third principal 
meridians commences at Diamond Island, in the Ohio, 
opposite Indiana, and runs due west till it strikes the 
Mississippi, a few miles below St. Louis. 



76 A GAZETTEER 

All the townships in Illinois, south and east of the Illi- 
noisriver, are numbered from this base line eithernorth or 
south. 

The third principal meridian terminates wrth the north- 
ern boundary of the state. 

The fourth principal meridian commences on the right 
bank, and at the mouth of the Illinois river, but immedi- 
ately crosses to the east shore, and passes up on that side, 
(and atone place nearly fourteen miles distant,) to a point 
in the channel of the river, seventy-two miles from its 
mouth. Here its base line commences and extends across 
the peninsula to the Mississippi, a short distance above 
Quincy. The fourth principal meridian is continued north- 
ward through the military tract, and across Rock river, to 
a curve in the Mississippi at the upperrapids, in township 
eighteen north, and about twelve or fifteen miles above 
Rock Icland. It here crosses and passes up the west side 
of the Mississippi river fifty-three miles, and recrosses 
into Illinois, and passes through the town of Galena to 
the northern boundary of the state. It is thence continued 
to the Wisconsin river and made the principal meridian 
for the surveys of the territory, while tlie northern boun- 
dary line of the state is constituted its base line for that 
region. 

Having formed a principal meridian with its correspond- 
ing base line, for a district of country, tlie next operation 
of the surveyor is to divide this into tracts of six miles 
square, called '■^ townships.''^ 

In numbering the townships east or west from a princi- 
pal meridian, they are called ^^ ranges,''^ meaning a range 
of townships; but in numbering nor/^ or south from a base 
line, they are called " townships.''^ Thus a tract of land is 
said to be situated in township four north, in range three 
east, from the third principal meridian: or as the case 
may be. 

Townships are subdivided into square miles, or tracts 
of 640 acres each, called " sections.''^ If near timber, trees 
are marked and numbered with the section, township, and 
range, near each sectional corner. If in a large prairie, a 



OF ILLINOIS. 



77 



mound is raised to designate the corner, and a billet of 
charred wood buried, if no rock is near. Sections are 
divided into halves by a line north and south, and into 
quarters by a transverse line. In sales, under certain con- 
ditions, quarters are sold in equal subdivisions of forty 
acres each, at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. 
Any person, whether a native born citizen, or a foreigner, 
may purchase forty acres of the richest soil, and receive 
an indisputable title, for fifty dollars. 

Manges are townships counted either east or west from 
meridians. 

Townships are counted either north or south from their 
respective base lines. 

Fractions are parts of quarter sections intersected by 
streams or confirmed claims. 

The parts of townships, sections, quarters, etc. made 
at the lines of either townships or meridians are called 
excesses or deficiencies. 

Sections^ or miles square, are numbered, beginning in the 
noriheast corner of the township, progressively west to the 
range line, and then progressively east to the range line, al- 
ternately, terminating at the southeast corner of the town- 
ship, from one to thirty-six, as in the following diagram: 



6 


5 


4 


3 


2 


1 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


18 


17 


16* 


15 


14 


13 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24 
25 


30 


29 


28 


27 


26 


31 


32 


33 


34 


35 


36 



• Appropriated for schooh in the township. 

7* 



78 A GAZETTEER 

I have been thus particular in this account of the sur- 
veys of public lands, to exhibit the simplicity of a system, 
that to strangers, unacquainted with the method of num- 
bering the sections, and the various subdivisions, appears 
perplexing and confused. 

A large tract of country in the north, and northeastern 
portion of this state is yet unsurveyed. This does not 
prevent the hardy pioneers of the west from taking pos- 
session, where the Indian title is extinct, as it is now to 
all lands within this state. They risk the chance of pur- 
chasing it when brought into market. 

Land Offices and Districts. There are ten land offices in 
Illinois, in as many districts, open for the sale or entry of 
public lands. 

The Land District of Shawneetoivn embraces that por- 
tion of the state, bounded north by the base line, east and 
south by the boundaries of the state, and west by the third 
principal meridian. 

Office for the entry and sale of lands at Shawneetown. 

The Lund District of Kaskaskia is bounded north by 
the base line, and comprehends all that part of the state 
that lies between the third principal meridian and the 
Mississippi. 

Land office at Kaskaskia. 

The Land District of Edwardsville extends south to the 
base line, east to the third principal meridian, north to 
the line that separates the thirteenth and fourteenth town- 
ships north, and west to the Mississippi. 

Land office at Edwardsville. 

The Land District of Vandalia extends south to the 
base line, east to the line between ranges eight and nine, 
east of the third principal meridian, north to the south 
line of Springfield district, and west to the range line be- 
tween ranges second and third west of the third principal 
meridian. 

Land office at Vandalia. 

The Land District of Palestine extends south to the 
northern boundary of the Shawneetown district, west to 
the eastern boundary of Vandalia district, north to the di- 



OF ILLINOIS. 79 

viding line between townships sixteen and seventeen 
north; and east to the boundary of Indiana. 

The Land District of Springfield extends south to Ed- 
wardsville district, east to the Palestine and Danville dis- 
tricts, and north and west to the Illinois river. 

The Land District of Quincy embraces all the tract of 
country between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to the 
line between townships 12 and 13 north and west of the 
third principal nieridian. 

The Lund District of Danville includes that part of the 
state to its northern boundary, which lies north of Pales- 
tine, to the line between T. 30 and 31 N. of the 3d meri- 
dian and east of Springfield district. 

Northwest District is in the northwestern portion of 
the state, and bounded south by the line between town- 
ships twelve and thirteen north, on the military tract, and 
east by the line between ranges three and four east of the 
third principal meridian, and north by the northern boun- 
dary of the state. 

Land office at Galena. 

Northeast District is in the northeast portion of the 
state, and bounded south by the line between townships 
thirty and thirty-one, on the third principal meridian, 
east by lake Michigan, and north by the boundary of the 
state. 

Land office at Chicago. 

The officers in each land district are a register and re- 
ceiver, appointed by the president and senate, and paid 
by the general government. 

The land, by proclamation of the president, is first of- 
fered for sale at auction, by half quarter sections. If no 
one bids for it at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre 
or upwards, it is subject to private entry at any time after, 
upon payment at the time of entry. No credit is al- 
lowed. 

In special cases congress has granted pre-emption 
rights, where settlements and improvements have been 
made on public lands previous to the public sale. 

Pre-emption Rights confer the privilege only of pur- 



80 A GAZETTEER 

chasing the tract containing improvennents at one dollar 
and twenty-five cents per acre, by the possessor, without 
the risk of a public sale. 

All lands in this state, purchased of the general govern- 
ment, are exempted from taxation for five years after pur- 
chase. 

All lands owned by private citizens ar corporate bodies, 
and not exempted as above, are divided by law into two 
classes for taxation, called ^'■Jirst and second rates. ^"^ First 
rate lands are taxed three dollars and twenty cents per 
quarter section of one hundred and sixty acres, per annum. 
Second rate lands are taxed two dollars and forty cents 
per quarter section, besides a county tax for roads. Re- 
sident and non resident landholders are taxed equally. 

Residents owning lands in the different counties may 
list the same and pay taxes in the counties where they re- 
side, or in the auditor's ofllice, at their option. 

Non residents must list their lands in the auditor's 
office. 

Taxes of non residents are required to be paid into the 
state treasury, annually, on or before the first of August. 
If not paid at that time, a delinquent list of all lands, 
owned by non residents, on wliich taxes have not been paid, 
is sent to the clerk of the county commissioners' court of the 
county where the land lies, aud a transcript of this list is 
to be published in some newspaper, printed within the 
state, at least sixty days previous to sale. 

If the taxes are not paid to the clerk of the county by 
the first Monday in March, so much of the land, as is 
necessary to pay taxes and costs, is sold at the seat of 
justice of the county. 

Lands sold for taxes maybe redeemed within two years 
from the time of sale, by paying to the clerk of the county 
for the use of the purchaser, double the amount of taxes, 
interest, and costs for which the same may have been 
sold. 

Lands belonging to minor heirs may be redeemed at 
any time before the expiration of one year from the time 
the youngest of said heirs shall become of lawful age. 



OF ILLINOIS. 81 

Military Bounty Lands. The lands which constitute 
the Illinois military tract, given as a bounty to the soldiers 
in the last war with Great Britain, are included within the 
peninsula of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and ex- 
tend on the fourth principal meridian, from the mouth of 
the Illinois, one hundred and sixty miles north. This 
tract embraces the counties of Calhoun, Pike, Adams, 
Schuyler, McDonough, Warren, Mercer, Knox, Henry, 
Fulton, Peoria, and a portion of Putnam. 

For a particular description, reference may be had to 
each of these counties in part second. 

In general terms however, this tract contains as much 
good land, both limber and prairie, as any portion of the 
state of equal extent. About three fifths of the quarter 
sections have been appropriated as military bounties. The 
remainder is to be disposed of in the same manner as other 
public lands. South of the base line, which passes 
across the tract through Schuyler and Adams counties, 
the public lands have been offered for sale. North of that 
line there is much excellent land yet for sale. 

The disposition of so much of this fine country for 
military purposes has very much retarded its settlement. 
Most of the titles have long since departed from the sol- 
diers for whose benefit the donations were made. Many 
thousand quarter sections have been sold by the state for 
taxes, and are past redemption. Much of it is in the 
hands of non residents, who hold it at prices too exorbi- 
tant to command sale. Some have doubted the legality 
of these sales at auction for taxes, but able lawyers, and 
those who have investigated the business, have express- 
ed the opinion, that " tax titles," are valid. Within the 
last two years the military tract has received a great ac- 
cession to its population. A large quantity of these mili- 
tary lands are now owned by a company, who have a land 
office, opened at Quincy, and offer tracts from three to ten 
dollars per acre. 

The following particulars may be of use to non resi- 
dent landholders: 

1. If persons have held lands in the military tract, or 



82 A GAZETTEER 

in the state, and have net atttended to paying taxes for 
more than two years, the land is sold and past redennption, 
unless there are minor heirs. 

2. Every non resident landholder should employ an 
agent within the state to pay his taxes, and take the over- 
sight of his property. 

3. All deeds, conveyances, mortgages, or title papers 
whatsoever, must be recorded in the ^'' recorder s office,'''' in 
the county where the land is situated. Deeds and ti»e 
papers are not in force until ^/ec? in the recorder's office. 

4. The words ^^ grant, bargain and sell,'''' whatever may 
be the specific form of the instrument in other respects, 
convey a full and b )na fide title, to warrant and defend, 
unless express provision is made to the contrary in the 
instrument. 

[See revised lavt's of Illinois, of 1833, art. " recorder," 
page 510.] 



HISTORY. 

About 1670, the notion prevailed amongst the French 
that visited Canada, that a western passage to the Pacific 
ocean existed. They learned from the Indians that far in 
the west there was a great river; but of its course or ter- 
mination they could learn nothing. They supposed that 
this river communicated with the western ocean. 

To investigate this question, P. Marquette, a Jesuit, and 
Joliet, were appointed by M. Talon, the intendant of New 
France. Marquette was well acquainted with the Cana- 
das, and had great influence with the Indian tribes. They 
conducted an expedition through the lakes, up Green bay 
and Fox River, to the Portage, where it approaches the 
Wisconsin, to which they passed, and descended that 
river to the Mississippi, which they reached the 17th of 
June, 1673. These were the first Europeans that ever 
visited the " father of waters." They found a river much 
larger and deeper than it had been represented by the In- 
dians. Their regular journal was lost on their return to 



OF ILLINOIS. 83 

Canada, but from the account afterwards given by Joliet, 
they found the natives friendly, and that a tradition existed 
amongst them of the residence of a " Mon-e-to," or spirit, 
near the mouth of the Missouri, which they could not 
pass. Tiiey turned their course up the Illinois, and were 
highly delighted with the placid stream, and wood- 
lands and prairies through which it flowed. They 
were hospitably received and ktndly treated by the Il- 
linois, a numerous nation of Indians who were destitute 
of the cruelty of savages.* 

Marquette continued amongst these Indians with a 
view to Christianise them; but Joliet returned to Canada 
and reported the discoveries he had made. 

Several years elapsed before any one attempted to fol- 
low up the discoveries of Marquette and Joliet. M. de 
La Salle, a native of Normandy, but who had resided 
many years in Canada, was the first to extend these early 
discoveries. He was a man of intelligence, talents, en- 
terprise, and perseverance. After obtaining the sanction 
of the king of France, he set out on his projected expedi- 
tion, in 1678, from Frontenac, with Chevalier Fonii, his 
lieutenant, and father Hennepin, a Jesuit missionary, and 
thirty or forty men. 

He spent about one year in exploring the country bor- 
dering on the lakes, and in selecting positions for forts 
and trading posts, to secure the Indian trade to the French. 
After he had built a fort at Niagara, and fitted out a small 



* The word " Illira," from whence is derived the name 
" Oillinois," or " Illinois," as it was variously written by the 
French explorers, is said by Hennepin to signify " a full grown 
man." This nation, or confederacy, appears to have possessed 
originally, the Illinois country. The confederacy was formed 
of seven tribes: — the Illinois, Michigamies^ Mascotans, Kaskas- 
kias, Kahokias, Peorias, and Tau-mar-waus. 

Their country was subjugated by the Iroquois or Mohawks 
about the close of the seventeenth century, who held dominion 
over the soil by right of conquest. In 1701 the Iroquois ceded 
all that part of Illinois that lies south and east of the Illinois 
river, to the British government. 



84 A GAZETTEER 

vessel, he sailed through the lakes to Green bay, then 
called the " Bay of Puants." From thence he proceeded 
with his men in canoes towards the south end of lake Mi- 
chigan, and arrived at the mouth of the " river of the 
Miamis" in November, 1679. This is thought to be 
Chicago. Here he built a fort, left eight or ten men, and 
passed with the rest of his company across the country 
to the waters of the Illinois river, and descended that 
river a considerable distance, when he was stopped for 
want of supplies. This was occasioned by the loss of a 
boat which had been sent from his post on Green bay. 
He was now compelled by necessity to build a fort, 
which, on account of the anxiety of mind he experienced, 
was called Creve-cceur, or broken heart. 

The position of this fort cannot now be ascertained, 
but from some appearances, it is thought to have been 
near Spring bay, in the northeast part of Tazewell county. 

At this period the Illinois were engaged in a war with 
the Iroquois, a numerous, warlike, and cruel nation, with 
whom La Salle had traded, while on the borders of Ca- 
nada. The former, according to Indian notions of friend- 
ship, expected assistance from the French; but the inter- 
est and safety of La Salle depended upon terminating 
this warfare, and to this object he directed his strenuous 
efforts. The suspicious Illinois construed this into 
treachery, which was strengthened by the malicious and 
perfidious conduct of some of his own men, and pro- 
nounced upon him the sentence of death. Immediately 
he formed and executed the bold and hazardous project 
of going alone and unarmed to the camp of the Illinois, 
and vindicating his conduct. He declared his innocence 
of the charges, and demanded the author. He urged 
that the war should be terminated, and that the hostile 
nations should live in peace. 

The coolness, bravery, and eloquence of La Salle filled 
the Indians with astonishment, and entirely changed their 
purposes. The calumet was smoked, presents mutually 
exchanged, and a treaty of amity concluded. 

The original project of discovery was now pursued. 



OF ILLINOIS. 85 

Father Hennepin started on the 28th of February, 1680, 
and having passed down the Illinois, ascended the Mis- 
sissippi to the falls of St. Anthony. Here he was taken 
prisoner, robbed, and carried to the Indian villages, from 
which he made his escape, returned to Canada by the 
way of the Wisconsin, and from thence to France, where 
he published an account of his travels. 

La Salle visited Canada to obtain supplies, returned 
to Creve-cceur, and shortly after descended the Illinois, 
and then the Mississippi, where he built one or two forts 
on its banks, and took possession of the country in the 
name of the king of France, and in honor of him called 
it Lonisiana. 

After descending the Mississippi to its mouth, he re- 
turned to the Illinois, and on his way back left some of 
his companions to occupy the country. This is supposed 
to have been the commencement of the villages of Kas- 
kaskia and Cahokia, in 1683. La Salle went to France, 
fitted out an expedition to form a colony at the mouth of 
the Mississippi, sailed to the gulf of Mexico, but not 
being able to find the mouths of that river, he commenced 
an overland journey to his fort on the Illinois. On this 
journey he was basely assassinated by two of his own 
men.* 

After the death of La Salle, no attempts to discover 
the mouth of the Mississippi, were made till about 1699; 
but the settlements in the Illinois country were gradually 
increased by emigrants from Canada. 

In 1712, the king of France, by letters patent, gave 
the whole country of Louisiana to M. Crosat, with the 
commerce of the country, with the profits of all the mines, 
reserving for his own use one fifth of the gold and silver. 
After expending large sums in digging and exploring for 

* La Salle appeal's to have discovered the Bay of St. Bernard, 
and formed a settlement on the western side of the Colorado, in 
1685. This fact constitutes our claim to Texas. See J. Q. 
Adams'' s Correspo7idence iwithJJon Onis. Pub. Doc. first session 
1 5th Congress, 1818. 

8 



86 A GAZETTEER 

the precious medals without success, Crosat gave up his 
privilege to the king, in 1717. Soon after, the colony- 
was granted to the Mississippi company, projected by 
Mr. Law, which took possession of Louisiana, and ap- 
pointed M. Bienville governor. In 1719, La Harp com- 
manded a Fort with French troops not far from the mouth 
of the Missouri river. 

Shortly after, several forts were built within the pre- 
sent limits of Illinois, of which fort Chartres was the 
most considerable. By these means a chain of commu- 
nication was formed from Canada to the mouth of the 
Mississippi. 

The oldest record or document in the state is at Kas- 
kaskia, dated 1725. It is a petition to Louis XV. king 
of France, asking a grant of common fields, commons, 
etc.; stating their great sufferings the preceding year, 
[1724] from the great flood which swept away all their 
improvements and obliged the people to flee to the bluffs 
opposite the village, and across the Kaskaskia river. 

At the termination of hostilities between the French 
and English, in 1763, the Illinois country, with Canada, 
was ceded to the British government; and in 17^5, Capt. 
Sterling, of the royal Highlanders, took possession of Il- 
linois. He was succeeded by Major Farmer, who was 
relieved by Col. Reed, in 1766. The principal military- 
post and seat of government during these changes, was at 
fort Chartres. The administration of Col. Reed was ex- 
tremely unpopular with the inhabitants, and is said to have 
been a course of military oppression. In 1768 he was 
succeeded by Lieut. Col. W'ilkins, who established a 
court of justice amongst the people, and appointed seven 
judges to settle all matters relating to debts and property. 

They met for the first time at fort Chartres in Decem- 
ber following, and continued to meet for business month- 
ly. Still the people were dissatisfied, and demanded the 
right of trial by jury, which was denied them. 

Affairs continued in this posture till the revolutionary 
war, when the Virginia militia, under command of Gen. 
George Rodgers Clarke, made an excursion through the 



OF ILLINOIS. 87 

Indian country, subjugated fort Chartres, Kaskaskia, and 
other posts on the Mississippi, and then conducted a suc- 
cessful expedition against Port Vincent, now Vincennes. 
This was in 1778. 

The same year the legislature of Virginia organised a 
county in this remote region, called "///mozs," and ap- 
pointed a magistrate over it with extensive powers styled 
lieutenant governor. Timothy Demonbrun was appointed 
to this office. 

This territory was afterwards ceded by Virginia to the 
United States, and formed a portion of the Northwestern 
Territory, by whose authority the county of Illinois was 
divided, and the names of St. Clair and Randolph given. 
In 1800, it was included within the limits of Indiana ter- 
ritory, and at that time the country that forms the present 
state ot Illinois contained about 3,000 inhabitants. 

Many of the officers and soldiers that accompanied Ge- 
neral Clarke in his expedition became enamored with the 
country, returned v^^ith their families and formed the early 
American settlements. Other persons settled in Kaskas- 
kia about the same time, to engage in the Indian trade. 

In 1786, the Kickapoo, and other bands of Indians, 
commenced their predatory warfare, which greatly har- 
assed the American settlers for the succeeding ten years. 

After 1800, the population increased considerably from 
emiofration. In 1809, a territorial government was form- 
ed, and the population the next year amounted to 12,282. 

During the last war between Great Britain and the 
United States, Illinois, in common with other frontier 
districts, felt the calamities of warfare. The defence of 
the long line of frontier from the mouth of the Missouri, 
across the territory to Shawneetown, depended upon the 
energy and vigilance of the citizens, under the able and 
indefatigable governor, the late Ninian Edwards. 

In 1812, the territory, which had been under the govern- 
ment of the governor and judges, entered upon the second 
grade of territorial government, with a legislature, and 
a delegate in congress. 



88 A GAZETTEER 

In 1818, the constitution was framed and Illinois was 
received into the Union as the twenty-second state. 



MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS. 

1. This State presents many inducements to those who 
are emigrating to the west. It is now receiving large 
accessions from the north, the south, and from Europe. 
Many Germans have already entered it, and many more 
are shortly expected. An English colony was formed at 
Albion, in Edwards county, by Messrs. Birbeck and 
Flowers, in 1818. 

Morgan county contains many English families, who 
came three or four years since. In general they have pur- 
chased lands, and are doing well. 

Emigrants from New England, New York, Pennsyl- 
vania, and Ohio, pour into the middle and northern coun- 
ties. 

From the southern states there are hundreds visiting 
Illinois monthly, to find convenient residences, and a re- 
treat from the inconveniences of slaveholding. 

2. Farms, partially cultivated may be purchased, at a 
reasonable price, in almost every county. The prices 
vary from local situation, or factitious circumstances. 
From three to ten dollars per acre, including improve- 
ments, is the common range of prices. 

3. In no part of the United States can uncultivated land 
be made into farms with less labor than in Illinois. An 
emigrant may purchase a quarter section for .^200, a pro- 
port'onate supply of limbered and prairie land, and have a 
large farm under cultivation in a short time. His cattle, 
horses, and hogs will run upon the range around him, and 
find feed nine months in the year, and a small amount of 
labor will provide a supply of winter food. Hundreds of 
families, who have not the means to purchase, settle on 
public lands, make their farms and live unmolested. Any 
laboring man, with reasonable industry and economy, with 
a family, may arrrive here without any capital, and in 



OF ILLINOIS. 89 

half a dozen years be the owner of a good farm, with stock 
in abundance. The prairies and woodland would furnish 
range until his farm was made. 

Those who have one or two thousand dollars to com- 
mence with, have peculiar advantages. 

4. Mechanics of every description, for the ordinary pur- 
poses of life, find abundant encouragement. 

I could name common mechanics, whom I knew when 
apprentices, and who commenced business without a cent 
of capital, but who now own property valued from ten to 
twenty thousand dollars. They have gained it by steady, 
persevering industry. And yet, no one makes money ra- 
pidly, and grows rich suddenly. The great secret of the 
accumulation of property in any part of the " West," con- 
sists in the gradual rise of property^ by the advantageous 
application of manual labour. As a general principle, with 
exceptions to particular places, this rise of property in Illi- 
nois, the last ten years, has equalled from twenty-five to 
thirty per cent, per annum. About some of our rising 
towns the rise has been 1000 per cent, in three years. 

5. Good school teachers, who will follow the employ- 
ment, are much needed. The usual method is to pay by 
the scholar per quarter. Prices for ordinary branches in 
the country settlements, including board ^2 50, and ^3 
per scholar. Female teachers for schools, are inquired 
after. 

6. The people of the West, and of Illinois, have much 
plain, blunt, but sincere hospitality. Emigrants who 
come amongst them with a disposition to be pleased with 
the people and country — to make no invidious compari 
sons — to assume no airs of distinction — but to become 
amalgamated with the people, where, of course every 
thing is different to what they have been accustomed, 
will be welcome. 

8* 



PART SECOND. 

GENERAL VIEW OF EACH COUNTY IN THE 
STATE OF ILLINOIS. 

ARRANGED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. 



ADAMS COUNTY. 

Mams County was organised from Pike county, in 
1825, and is thirty miles long, with an average width 
of twenty-four miles — containing about 810 square miles. 

It is bounded north, by Hancock; east by Schuyler and 
a corner of Pike; south by Pike; and west, by the Mis- 
sissippi river. 

Its streams are Bear creek and branches, Cedar, Tyrer, 
Mill, Fall, and Pigeon creeks, on the western; and the 
north and west forks of M'Kees creek on its eastern bor- 
der. 

For quality of soil, well proportioned into timber and 
prairie, it is second to none in the state. Few tracts of 
country are equal, and none superior to the one on Bear 
creek. 

Its productions are similar to other counties in the 
military district. The people in general are enterprising 
and industrious farmers. The population is about 8,500. 
Adams county is attached to the fifth judicial circuit, and 
sends one senator and two representatives to the legisla- 
ture. 

The seat of justice is Quinci/, 



92 A GAZETTEER 



ALEXANDER COUNTY. 

»3.lexander County lies at the south end of the slate, in 
the forks of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, which wash 
its western, southern, and a portion of its eastern borders. 
More than sixty miles of its western side are along the 
curves and windings of the latter river. It has a fertile 
soil, covered with a heavy growth of timber, amongst 
which are oaks of various kinds, especially white oak, 
cypress, poplar, walnut, hickory, some cherry, elm, etc. 
and a tract of yellow pine in the northwestern part. A 
reef of rocks of limestone, intermixed with sand stone, 
forming the grand chain of the Ohio, six miles above 
America, is supposed to extend across this county, (below 
the surface of the earth,) to the Mississippi river. At 
least one third of the county is alluvion. On Cash river, 
and near the mouth of the Ohio, the land is inundated in 
times of-high water. Along the Mississippi is an ex- 
tensive tract of alluvial land, entirely above high water. 

The streams in this county are Cash river and branches, 
Sexton's creek, and Clear creek. Cash river enters it 
at the northeastern part, passes in a circuitous course 
through it, and enters the Ohio six miles above its mouth, 
at Trinity. 

Alexander county is about twenty-four miles long, and 
upon an average width of eighteen miles — containing 
about 375 square miles. 

Alexander county is attached to the third judicial cir- 
cuit, and sends one member to the house of representa- 
tives, and, with Union county, one member to the senate. 
Population about 2350. It was formed from Union coun- 
ty, in 1819. 

The seat of justice is Unity. 



BOND COUNTY. 

Bond County was organised from Madison, in 1817. It 



OF ILLINOIS. 93 

then embraced an extensive district of country, but has 
sirice been reduced to an area of twenty miles lona, and 
eighteen miles wide, or 360 square miles. It has Mont- 
gomery on the north, Fayette east, Clinton south, and 
Madison on the west. 

Shoal creek and its branches pass through the middle, 
and Hurricane fork waters the eastern portion of this 
county. 

It is duly proportioned into timber and prairie. In some 
parts the latter is rather too level for convenience, but is 
good second rate land. The population generally are in- 
dustrious, frugal, and intelligent farmers. 

Bond county sends one member to the house of repre- 
sentatives, and with Montgomery one to the senate. It 
belongs to the second judicial circuit. Population about 
3,980. 

The seat of justice is Greenville. 



BOONE COUNTY. 

Boone County was formed from Winnebago and Mc 
Henry counties in February, 1837. It is bounded north 
by the Wisconsin territory; east by McHenry; south by 
Kane, and West by Winnebajjo county. It is about 24 
miles long, and 21 miles wide; containing about 500 
square miles. 

It is watered on the western side by the northern and 
main branches of the Kishwaukee, and on its eastern side 
by branches of Fox river. 

Its timber, scattered over the county, is found chiefly 
in groves and oak openings, with a large proportion of rich, 
undulating prairie. Its representative and its judicial con- 
nection is with Jo Daviess county. The seat of justice 
not yet located. Most of the land in this and the adjoin- 
ing counties is unsurveyed and of course not in market, 
but is rapidly settling. I estimate its population at 600, 



94 A GAZETTEER 



CALHOUN COUNTY. 

Calhoun County was oro^anised from Pike-counly, in 
1825. It is a long and narrovv strip of country lying in 
the forks of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. It is 
bounded on three sides by those rivers, and on the northern 
end, by Pike county, and is thirty-seven and a half miles 
long, and from three to ten miles in width from one river to 
the other — making about 260 square miles. The mouth of 
Bay creek is in the northern part of this county, which 
affords a harbor and navigation for steam boats seven 
miles. There are no other creeks worth naming. Seve- 
ral fine prairies lie at the foot of the bluffs on both sides 
of the county, amongst which are Illinois, Salt, Belleview. 
On the rivers considerable tracts are subject to inundation, 
and in the interior are bluffs, ravines and sink holes. Still 
there are considerable tracts of good land unoccupied. 

The bottoms furnish excellent range for stock. Cat- 
tle, beef, pork, corn, honey, and beeswax are its exports. 

Formerly honey from the trees was obtained in profuse 
quantities. It grows more scarce as the population in- 
creases. Calhoun belongs to the fifth judicial circuit, and 
is connected with Greene, in electing a representative, and 
senator. Population about 1200. 

Surrounded by rivers and low bottoms, Calhoun county 
is less healthy than others on the military tract. 

Coal, in large bodies, is found on the Mississippi in the 
south part of the county. 

The seat of justice is Guilford. 



CASS COUNTY. 

Cass County was formed from the north part of the 
county of Morgan at the late session of the legislature, 
and decided by the votes of the ])eople of Morgan county 
on the third Monday of April, 18.37, as the law provided. 

It is bounded north by Sangamon county and river, east 



OF ILLINOIS. 95 

by the same county, south by Morgan, and west by the 
Illinois river which. separates it from Schuyler county. 

It is 27 miles long, and about 12 miles broad, contain- 
ing about 256 square miles. 

It is watered by various branches that fall into Sanga- 
mon river on the north, with the head branches of Indian 
and other small creeks that fall into the Illinois river, on 
the west and south. It is proportionably divided into tim- 
ber and prairie, the surface undulating, and the soil gene- 
ally very rich. 

The population is estimated at 6,500. Its representa- 
tive and judicial connection is still with Morgan county. 

The seat of justice is Beardstown. 



CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. 

Champaign County was organised from the attached 
part of Vermilion county, in February, 1833. It is bound- 
ed, on the north, by a strip of country not belonging to 
any county; on the east by Vermilion; on the south by 
Coles; and on the west by Macon and McLean counties. 
It is 36 miles long, and about 28 miles wide, and contains 
about 1008 square miles. The streams, are the Salt Fork 
of the Vermilion of the Wabash; the Vermilion of the Il- 
linois, the Kaskaskia, and the North Fork of the Sanga- 
mon; — all of which take their rise in this county and run 
in opposite directions. Here are extensive prairies, in- 
dented with beautiful groves of fine timber, of which Big 
Grove, at the head ol Salt Fork, is the largest. Around 
these groves the prairies are undulating, and very rich soil. 

The settlements are not yet extensive. As an interior 
county, it will be further from market than those situated 
either on the Wabash or Illinois, but is well adapted to the 
growth of stock, and will be undoubtedly a healthy region. 

Champaign county belongs to the fourth judicial circuit, 
and sends one representative and, with Vermilion county, 
one senator to the legislature. Population about 1250. 

The seat of justice is Urbatina. 



96 A GAZETTEER 



CLARK COUNTY. 

Clark County was formed from Crawford county, in 
1819; and is bounded on the north by Edgar; on the east 
by Indiana and the Wabash river; south by Crawford: 
and west by Coles. 

It is twenty-four miles long, east and west; and twen- 
ty-one miles broad — containing about 500 square miles. 

Its streams are, the North Fork of the Embarras, which 
crosses the northwestern part of the county; Mill creek, 
and Big- creek, which cross its northeastern part. 

Walnut, Union, Dolson, and Parker's prairies are found 
in this county. 

At York, in the southeastern corner of the county, is a 
steam saw and flouring mill. 

Its exports are corn, pork, and beef cattle. From 60,000 
to 100,000 bushels of corn are sent out annually. 

Clark county has 4,000 inhabitants, sends one member 
to the house of representatives, and, with Coles, one 
member to the senate. It belongs to the fourth judicial 
circuit. 

The seat of justice is Darwin. 



CLAY COUNTY. 

Clay County was formed from portions of Wayne, Law- 
rence, Crawford, and Fayette, in 1824. 

It is bounded on the north, by Effingham and Jasper; 
east, by Lawrence; south, by Wayne, and a corner of Ed- 
wards; west, by Marion, and a corner of Fayette. 

Its medium length is thirty miles; width, twenty-one 
miles — containing about 620 square miles. 

It is watered by the Little Wabash, and branches. 

Probably two thirds of the surface is prairie of an infe- 
rior quality. The streams usually overflow their banks in 
freshets. 



OF ILLINOIS. 97 

Clay county belongs to the fourth judicial circuit, and 
sends one naember to the house of representatives, and also 
with Fayette and Effingham sends one member to the 
senate. 

Population, at the last census, 1648; increase since, 
probably about twenty per cent. 

Its seat of justice is 3Iaysville, 



CLINTON COUNTY. 

Clinton County was formed from Washington and a por- 
tion of Bond, in December, 1824. 

It is bounded north by Bond; east by Marion; south 
by Washington; and west by St. Clair, and a corner of 
Madison. 

It is thirty miles long, and eighteen miles wide — con- 
taining about fourteen townships, or 504 square miles. 

It is watered by the Kaskaskia river, which passes 
through it, and its tributaries — Crooked, Shoal, and Sugar 
creeks; and is about equally proportioned into timber and 
prairie. 

Much of the land in this and the adjacent counties is not 
equal in quality to that further north. This is true espe- 
cially of the prairies. The soil is thinner, the surface is 
less undulating, and farmers are subjected to greater in- 
convenience from wet seasons. 

The timber, where it abounds, is generally of a good 
quality. 

Clinton county belongs to the second judicial circuit, 
and sends one member to the house of representatives, and, 
with Marion, one to the senate. 

Population about 3,000. 

The seat of justice is Carlyle, 
9 



98 A GAZETTITER 



COLES COUNTY. 

Coles County was organised, in 1830, from Clark and 
Edgar counties. 

It lies in the eastern part of the state, and is bounded 
north by Champaign; east by Edgar and Clark; south 
by Jasper, and a corner of Effingham; and west by Shel- 
by and Macon counties. It is forty-eight miles long, from 
north to south; and twenty-six miles wide on a medium; 
— containing about 1,248 square miles. 

The Kaskaskia river passes through four townships m 
its northwestern part; the Embarras runs its whole length, 
with several branches; and the heads of the Little Wabash 
afford fine mill streams, and settlements, in its southwes- 
tern portion. 

This county contains much excellent land, equal in qua- 
lity to the country on the Illinois river. 

The northern, and a tract through the middle portions 
of the county are prairies of considerable extent; but 
the other parts are duly proportioned into limber and 
prairie. 

The timber is similar to the borders of the Kaskaskia; 
and much of the prairie land is moderately undulating, 
The southeastern part is rather wet or broken. 

The streams are not large; they generally run over a 
bed of sand, and afford many good mill seats. 

Most of the settlements are of recent formation, but its 
agricultural productions soon must exceed those of any 
other county near the Wabash, and will find their way to 
that river for market. 

It belongs to the fourth judicial circuit, and sends two 
members to the house of representatives, and, with Clark, 
one to the senate. 

The population is equal to 5800. 

Pork, beef, cattle, and horses, will be the staple pro- 
ductions. 

The seat of justice is Charleston. 



OF ILLINOIS. 99 



COOK COUNTY. 

Cook County was orq^anised January 15th, 1831, and is 
bounded north by McHenry county, east by lake Michi- 
gan; south by Will county; and west by La Salle. It is 
about 42 miles long and 36 miles wide, but irregularly 
shaped on its eastern and southeastern sides. It has about 
1330 square miles. 

It is watered by the Des Plaines, the north aud south 
branches of the Chicago, the Du Page, Hickory creek, 
and some snialler streams. 

Its surface is tolerably level, of a rich soii, with large 
prairies, and the timber in groves. There is a fine body of 
timber on the north fork of the Chicago, and along the 
lake shore. 

This county, and those adjacent, differ in several re- 
spects from the country below. The small streams run 
perennially, over rocky and gravelly beds through the 
prairies. The timber is not confined to the banks of the 
streams, but exists in groves and strips, often on the di- 
viding ridges between the water courses. 1'he summers 
are comparatively cooler, and the winters longer and more 
severe. 

Cook county is rapidly settling, chiefly by emigrants 
from the northern states; and will be both a stock and 
grain growing region. Its market will be through the 
lakes to New York and Canada. 

This county belongs to the seventh judicial circuit, 
and sends one senator and three representatives to the le- 
gislature. 

The seat -of justice is Chicago. 



CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

Crawford County was formed, in 1816, and lies north 
of Lawrence, east of Jasper, south of Clark, and west 
of the Wabash river, that separates it from Indiana. 



100 A GAZETTEER 

It is twenty two miles lon^, and twenty miles broad, 
— containing- 426 square miles. 

Racoon, Hutson, Sugar, and La Motte creeks, are 
small streams, that rise in this county, and run east into 
the Wabash; its western border is watered by branches 
of the Embarras. 

La Motte prairie is a level and rich tract, admirably 
adapted to the growth of corn. Its exports are similar to 
those of other counties along the Wabash, consisting chief- 
ly of corn, beef, pork, and cattle. 

Crawford county with Jasper sends one member to the 
house of representatives, and with Lawrence, one to the 
senate. It is attached to the fourth judicial circuit. 

The seat of justice is Palestine. 



EDGAR COUNTY. 

Edgar County was formed from Clark, 'n\ 1823, and is 
bounded north by Vermilion; east, by the state of Indiana; 
south by Clark; and west by Coles county. 

It is twenty-seven miles long, from north to south; and 
twenty-five miles wide, from east to west — containing 
eighteen townships, or about 648 square miles. 

Edgar county is watered by Big Clear, and Bru- 
lette's creeks, which are small streams, and enter the 
Wabash. Little Embarras heads in the western and 
southwestern parts of this county, and runs southwest 
into Coles. 

The south and east sides of this county are well timber- 
ed with all the varieties found on the eastern side of the 
state, including poplar. 

The soil in general is rich, adapted to the various pro- 
ductions of this state. Pork and beef — especially the 
former — are its chief exports, which find a ready market 
at Terre Haute and Clinton, Indiana. 

It belongs to the fourth judicial circuit, and sends two 
members to the house of representatives, and one to the 
senate. 

The seat of justice is Paris, 



OF ILLINOIS. 101 



EDWARDS COUNTY. 



Edwards County was organised from Gallatin, in 1814. 
It lies on the Little Wabash river, and has Lawrence 
county on the north; Wabash county east; White coun- 
ty south; and Wayne county west. 

It is twenty-two miles long, from north to south; and 
an average width of eleven miles — containing about 183 
square miles, proportionably divided into timber and 
prairie. It is tiie smallest county in the state. 

The prairies are small, high, undulating, and bounded 
by heavy timber. The English settlement formed by 
Messrs. Birbeck and Flowers is in this county. 

Edwards county is watered by the Little Wabash 
river which runs along and near its western border; and 
the Bon Pas, which forms its eastern boundary, and their 
branches. 

Its prairies are Boltenhouse, Burnt, Long, Bon Pas, 
Village, Bush and Mills, in all of which are flourishing 
settlements. A settlement of about 60 families is in the 
timbered country, in the south end of this county. 

Edwards county is attached to the fourth judicial cir- 
cuit; sends one member to the house of representatives, 
and, with Wabash and Wayne, one member to the senate. 
The seat of justice is Mblon. 



EFFINGHAM COUNTY. 

Effingham County was laid off by the legislature from 
Fayette county, in 1831, but did not become organised by 
the election of officers and the possession of county pri- 
vileges till the commencement of 1833. 

It is bounded north, by Shelby, and a corner of Coles; 
east by Jasper; south by Clay, and a corner of Fayette; 
and west by Fayette. It is twenty-four miles long, and 
about twenty-one broad — containing 486 square miles. 
It is watered by the Little Wabash river and its branches, 

9* 



102 A GAZETTEER 

and contains good second rate land, tolerably level. Tlie 
hottom lands on the Little Wabash are rich, and heavily 
timbered, but are inundated for a day when the river rises 
so as to overflow its banks. 

Effingham county, in union with Fayette, sends two 
members to the house of representatives, and with Fay- 
ette and Clay, one to the senate. It belongs to the second 
judicial circuit. 

The seat of justice is Ewington, 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 

Fayette County was formed from Bond, Edwards, Craw- 
ford, and Clark, in 1821, embracing a large extent of 
territory, extending northward to the Illinois river, 
which has since been formed into several counties. It 
is situated on the Kaskaskia river, and is bounded north 
by Shelby; east by Effingham; south by Marion, and a 
corner of Clinton; and west by Bond and Monigomery. 
It is about twenty-seven miles long, and twenty-four 
broad, with additional townships at the southeast and 
southern corners, and contains about 720 square miles. 
Vandalia the present seat of government for the state, is 
situated towards the southwestern part. Besides the 
Kaskaskia river, which passes through Fayette, it is 
watered by Hurricane fork, Higgin's, Ramsey's and 
Beck's creeks on the west, and by Big and Hickory 
creeks on the east. There is a heavy growth of timber 
in several parts of this county, especially along the 
Kaskaskia, and the Hurricane fork. Besides some prai- 
ries of convenient size, intersected with points of timber, 
about twelve miles in width of the eastern side of Fayette 
is in the Grand prairie. 

The bottom lands of the Kaskaskia are low, subject to 
inundation, and contain many small lakes and ponds. The 
country around Vandalia is undulating and well timbered, 
and the soil is second rate. 

The principal settlements in Fayette are Hurricane, 



OF ILLINOIS. 103 

Seminary township, Buckmaster's, Hall's, Brown's, 
Wakefield's, Haley's and Bi^ creek. 

There are several grist mills propelled by water power 
in the county, and a valuable steam sawmill atVandalia, 
Fayette belongs to the second judicial circuit; and with 
Effingham, sends two members to the house of represen- 
tatives, and with Effingham and Clay, one to the senate 
The population is estimated at 4100. 

The seat of justice is Vandalia, 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Franklin County was formed out of Gallatin, White, 
and an attached part of Jackson county, in 1818, and is 
situated in the southern part of the state. It is bounded 
north by Jefferson county; east, by Hamilton and Gallatin; 
south, by Johnson and Union; and west, by Jackson and 
Perry counties. It is thirty-six miles long and twenty- 
four miles wide; making 864 square miles. Franklin 
county is watered by Big Muddy river and branches, and 
and the south fork of Saline creek. The prairies are gene- 
rally small and fertile, but rather too level; the timber is 
good and in abundance; the soil rather sandy. Its pro- 
ducts are similar to those of the counties adjoining, and it 
is capable of being made a rich agricultural county. 

Franklin sends two members to the house of represen- 
tatives, and with Jackson county, one member to the se- 
nate. It is attached to the third judicial circuit. 

The county seat is Frankfort. 



FULTON COUNTY. 

Fulton County was formed from Pike county, in 1825, 
and is bounded north, by Knox, and a corner of Peoria; 
east by Peoria, and the Illinois river; south by the Illi- 
nois river, and Schuyler county; and west by Schuyler 
and McDonough and a corner of Warren counties. 



104 A GAZETTEER 

The Illinois washes its southeastern side, and gives 
it an irregular shape. The Spoon river passes through 
it; and Otter creek waters the southwestern, and Cop- 
peras creek the northeastern portions. 

It is from twenty-four to forty-two miles long, from 
north to south; and from twelve to thirty miles hroad — 
containing 874 square miles. 

Nearly one half of Fulton county is heavily timbered 
with the varieties that abound on the military tract; and 
much both of its prairie and timbered land, is of an ex- 
cellent quality. It is in general well watered; the streams 
usually flow over a gravelly bottom, and furnish many 
good mill seats. 

Its productions are and will continue to be similar to this 
region of country; and the Illinois and Spoon rivers will 
afford facilities to market. This whole region on the 
Illinois must shortly become a wealthy agricultural coun- 
try. 

Fulton county belongs to the fifth judicial circuit, and, 
with Knox and Henry, sends two members to the house 
of representatives, and one member to the senate. Popu- 
lation about 7000. 

County seat Lewiston. 



GALLATIN COUNTY. 

Gallatin CoM»/y joins the Wabash and the Ohio, in the 
southeastern corner of the state, and was organised in 
1812. It is bounded north by White county; eaaft by 
the states of Indiana and Kentucky; south by Pope coun- 
ty; and west by Pope, and Frankjin counties. 

It is from thirty to thirty-six miles long, and with a 
medium width of twenty-seven miles — containing about 
760 square miles. 

Its eastern boundary is washed by the Wabash and 
Ohio rivers, and the interior watered by the Saline creek 
and its tributaries. 

Sand predominates in the soil of this part of the state. 



OF ILLINOIS. 106 

The basis rock generally is sandstone, lying probably 
upon a stratum of clay slate. 

This county is mostly covered with timber, amongst 
which are various kinds of oak, walnut, poplar, mulberry, 
hickory, beech, cypress, and the other kinds found in this 
part of the state. 

The salines, in the vicinity of Equality, are sources 
of wealth; and furnish large quantities of salt for home 
consumption. 

Other articles of export, are horses, beef, pork, cattle, 
lumber, some tobacco, etc. About one half of the salt 
manufactured at the salines is exchanged for corn, corn 
meal, flour, beef, pork, potatoes, and every species of pro- 
duce raised in the country, to support the establishment. 

This part of the state is well adapted to the growth of 
stock. 

Gallatin county contains about 9,750 inhabitants. It 
is attached to the third judicial circuit, and sends three 
members to the house of representatives, and one member 
to the senate. 

Shawneetown is an important commercial town on the 
Ohio. 

The seat of justice is Equality. 



GREENE COUNTY. 

Greene County was formed from Madison, in January, 
1821; and is bounded on the north by Morgan; east by 
Macoupin; south by^ Madison 'and the Mississippi river; 
and west by the Illinois river, which separates it from Cal- 
houn and Pike counties. 

Its medium length is thirty-eight miles; width, twenty- 
four miles; superficial contents 912 square miles. The 
Illinois and Mississippi washes its western and a portion 
of its southern borders; Apple and Macoupin creeks pass 
through it. 

The banks of the Mississippi in the southern parts of 
this county are generally composed of perpendicular cliffs, 



106 A GAZETTEER 

•varying in height from 80 to 200 feet, consisting of hori- 
zontal strata of lime and sandstone; frequently imbedded 
with coal. The latter does not show itself at the face of 
the cliffs, but is found in great abundance a short distance 
from it. These cliffs commence at Alton, and extend 
along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to the northern 
part of the county; sometimes, however, receding several 
miles east, leaving a low and fertile alluvion which is usu- 
ally timbered on the banks of the river, and a prairie sur- 
face towards the bluffs. 

Greene county has much excellent land, both timber 
and prairie; the surface approaches nearer to a level than 
the counties further north, with proportionate quantities 
of timber and prairie, The population about 13,500. 

Greene county is attached to the first judicial circuit, 
and sends three members to the house of representatives, 
and one to the senate, and unites with Calhoun in send- 
ing one additional representative and senator. 

The seat of justice is Carrollton, 



HAMILTON COUNTY. 

Hamilton County was formed from White county, in 
1821, and is bounded north by Wayne; east by White; 
south by Gallatin; and west by Franklin and JelTerson 
counties. It is twenty-four miles long, and eighteen 
broad — area 432 square miles. 

This county is watered by branches of the Saline creek, 
and Little Wabash river, and contains a large proportion 
of timbered land. The soil generally is second and third 
rate, with a considerable tract of swamp in the northern 
part of the county. 

Hamilton county belongs to the third judicial circuit; 
sends one member to the house of representatives, and, 
with Jefferson county, one to the senate. 

The seat of justice is Mc Leanshuru\ 



OF ILLINOIS. 107 



HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Hancock County was formed from Pike county, in 1825. 
It is thirty miles in length, and from twenty-four to thirty 
miles broad — containing about 775 square miles. 

It lies north of Adams, west of McDonough, south of 
Warren, and is washed by the Mississippi on its western 
side. 

Hancock prairie, from twelve to twenty miles in width, 
runs from south to- north through this county. On the 
east, it is watered by the branches of Crooked creek; 
and on the southwest, by Bear; and on the northwest, 
by Camp creek. This county in the aggregate is defi- 
cient in timber. The banks of Bear creek furnish a sup- 
ply for that portion of the county. A strip lines the bank 
of the Mississippi, in some places of considerable width 
and of excellent quality-^in other places narrow and of 
inferior quality. A tolerably dense settlement extends 
along the line of this timber. Crooked creek furnishes 
a due proportion of timber and prairie, and a body of ex- 
cellent land. 

Hancock county belongs to the fifth judicial circuit, 
and sends one representative, and with McDonough one 
Senator to the legislature. 

The county seat is Carthage, 



HENRY COUNTY. 

Henry Connty was formed in 1825, but not organised 
for judicial purposes till recently. 

It is bounded north by Whiteside and Roek Island; 
east by Putnam; south by Knox, and west by Mercer 
and Rock Island counties. It is thirty miles long east 
and west, and about the Same broad — area 840 square 
miles. It is watered by Edwards, and some of the head 
branches of Spoon river, Rock river, Green river and the 
Winnebago swamp and outlet. 



108 A GAZETTEER 

About the Big Grove, Fraker's settlement, and on Ed- 
wards river is considerable good land, but in general 
Henry county is not equal to the counties contiguous. 
The Winnebago swamp spreads along its northern side; 
and there is considerable level, wet, swampy land be- 
tween the waters that fall into the Mississippi and those 
that flow to the Illinois. 

There is good land enougli within its borders to make 
a respectable county. It belongs to the fifth judicial cir- 
cuit, and with Knox and Warren, sends one member to 
each branch of the legislature. Its county seat not lo- 
cated. 



IROQUOIS COUNTY. 

This county was laid oflf by the legislature, in 1833. 
It is bounded on the north by Will county; east by the 
state of Indiana; south by Vermilion county; and west 
by an irregular strip of country, attached to Vermilion 
county. 

It is about 42 miles long and thirty-four broad — con- 
taining about 1428 square miles. 

Kankakee, Iroquois, Sugar, Spring and Beaver creeks 
are its water courses. A large proportion of this county 
is prairie; the timber is in groves, and strips along the 
streams. 

Settlements have been formed to some extent on Iro- 
quois and Sugar creeks. There are many sand ridges 
and plains in this region, but considerable portions of 
prairie are very rich. Iroquois is attached to the seventh 
judicial circuit, and sends one representative, and with 
La Salle, Kane and Boone, one senator to the legisla- 
ture. Population about 1800. The seat of justice is not 
yet established. 



OF ILLINOIS. 109 



JACKSON COUNTY. 

Jackson County was formed from Randolph and John- 
son, in 1816. It is situated on the Mississippi, and has 
Randolph county on the north, Franklin east, Union south, 
and the Mississippi river and a portion of Randolph west. 
It is twenty-four miles from north to south, and from 
eighteen to twenty-eight miles from east to west — its 
area is about 576 square miles. This county is watered 
by Muddy river and its tributaries. 

On this stream, near Brownsville, is a saline where 
considerable quantities of salt are manufactured. 

Jackson county is generally a timbered tract of coun- 
try, except towards its northeastern part where are some 
fine prairies. The timber in this country and along the 
Muddy, is of the various kinds common to this portion of 
the state, as oaks of several species, hickory, elm, poplar, 
walnut, sugar maple, etc. 

Its exports are salt, coal, pork, beef, horses, etc. 

Jackson county belongs to the third judicial circuit, 
and sends one member to the house of representatives, 
and with Franklin, one member to the senate* Popula- 
tion about 3,150. 

County seat Brownsville. 



JASPER COUNTY. 

Jasper County was formed out of Crawford, and small 
portions of Lawrence and Clay, in 1831. 

It is bounded north by Coles; east by Crawford; 
south by Lawrence and Clay; and west by a corner 
of Clay, and Effingham. It is twenty-three miles long, 
and twenty-two wide — and contains about 508 square 
miles. The Enibarras runs through it, and the Muddy 
Fork of the Little Wabash waters its western side. 
Much of the prairie and timbered land of this county is 
10 



110 A GAZETTEER 

level, wet, and of an inferior quality. The settlements 
are small amounting to fifty or sixty families. 

On the North Fork and the main Embarras are some 
good tracts of fertile soil. 

The county seat is called Newton, 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

Jefferson County was organised from Edwards and 
"White counties, in 1S19. It is bounded on the north by 
Marion; east by Wayne and Hamilton; south by Frank- 
lin: and west by Perry and Washington. It is twenty- 
four miles long and the same in width — containing 576 
square miles. 

Jefferson county is watered by several branches of the 
Big Muddy, which head in this county, and a small 
branch of the little Wabash. 

The soil is tolerable second rate land, about one-third 
prairie; the timbered land is covered with various kinds of 
oak, hickory, elm, sugar tree, etc. 

Its productions find their market either at Shawneetown 
or St. Louis. Its prairies, all of which contain good set- 
tlements, are Casey's, Jordon's, Moore's, Walnut Hill, 
Arm of Grand, and Long prairie. Its streams are East, 
Middle, and W^est Forks of Big Muddy river, and Adams's 
branch of Skillet Fork. 

Jefferson county is attached to the third judicial circuit, 
and sends one member to the house of representatives, 
and, with Hamilton county, one member to the senate. 

The seat of justice is Mount Vernon. 



JO DAVIESS COUNTY. 

Jo Daviess County was formed in 1827, but has since 
been reduced to about the following extent. From east 
to west from 12 to 34 miles, and from north to south 
37 miles, and extending by the curve of the Mississippi, 



OF ILLINOIS. Ill 

in a triangular form nearly to a point at its northwestern 
corner; — containing about 724 square miles. 

It is bounded by Wisconsin territory on the north, Ste- 
phenson on the east, Whiteside county south, and the Mis- 
sissippi river west. 

It is watered by Fever river, Apple, Rush, and Plum 
creeks, and some smaller streams. 

This county is rich, both for agricultural and mining 
purposes. Lead and copper are in abundance here. Like 
all the northern part of Illinois, timber is scarce. The 
surface is undulating — in some places hilly — well water- 
ed, both with springs and mill streams. 

The timber is in groves, and upon the margins of the 
streams. 

The county was named in honor of the late general Jo- 
seph H. Daviess, of Kentucky, who gallantly fell, in the 
disastrous battle of Tippecanoe, in 1811. It was bad 
taste, however, in the legislature, to affix the appellation 
of Jo to a name that has received marked respect in the 
western states. 

The chief export of this region is lead; but it is a fine 
country for both grain and stock. 

Jo Daviess county is attached to the sixth judicial cir- 
cuit, and, with Mercer and Rock Island, Stephenson, 
W'innebago, Ogle and Boone, sends two representa- 
tives and one senator to the legislature. 

The seat of justice is Galena, 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Johnson Count t/ was organised from Randolph in 1812, 
and is situated in the southern part of the state. It is 
bounded north by Franklin; east by Pope; south by the 
Ohio river; and west by Union and Alexander coun- 
ties. 

It is from twenty-five to thirty miles long; breadth, 
eighteen; its area, about 486 square miles. 

The interior of the county is watered by Cash river and 



1 If A GAZETTEER 

Biff Bay creek. Between these streams and ten or twelve 
miles from the Ohio river, which washes its southern 
boundary, is a line of ponds, interspersed with ridges 
and islands of rich land; and at high water, a large cur- 
rent passes out of Big Bay into Cash river. 

On the south side of these ponds is very rich land with 
a string of settlements; but an unhealthy region. Be- 
tween this tract and the Ohio river, is a tract of barrens 
and timber, with a tolerably good soil, but not much popu- 
lation. A line of settlements contiguous to the Ohio river 
extends through the county. 

Johnson county contains considerable quantities of good 
land, tolerably level, well timbered, and inclining to a 
sandy soil. The principal timber in this region, is cypress, 
sugar maple, oaks of various species, hickory, sweet gum, 
with some poplar, elm, walnut, and cedar. 

Johnson county sends ojie member to the house of re- 
presentatives; and with Pope, one to the senate. It be- 
longs to third judicial circuit. 

The seat of justice is Vienna. 



KANE COUNTY. 

Kane County was formed from the attached portion of 
La Salle, January, 1836. It is bounded north by Boone 
and McHenry, east by Cook, south by La Salle, and west 
by Ogle county. 

It is thirty-six miles square, and contains 1296 square 
miles. 

It is watered by Fox river in its southeastern parts, 
and Indian creek, Somonauk, Rock and Blackberry, Wa- 
bonsic, Morgan and Mill creeks that enter Fort river, and 
on its western and northwestern portion, several small 
streams, and the south and main branches of the Kish- 
"waukee or Scyamore, that enters Rock river. These are 
all excellent mill streams, and already saw and flouring 
mills are built or in progress. 

The timber is in groves, of which Au Sable, Big- woods, 



OF ILLINOIS. 113 

Little-woods and various others are thickly settled around. 
There is white, black, red, yellow and bur oaks, sugar 
maple, linden or basswood, black and white walnut, hick- 
ory, ash of various species, white poplar, ironwood, elna, 
some cherry, and occasional clumps of cedar along the 
cliffs that overhang Fox river, and other streams. 

Population from twelve to fifteen hundred and rapidly 
increasing. 

Kane county belongs to the seventh judicial circuit and 
is represented in connection with La Salle, and Iroquois. 

The seat of justice is not permanently located. 



KNOX COUNTY. 

Knox County is bounded north by Henry; east by Peo- 
ria, and a corner of Putnam; south by Fulton; and west 
by Warren, and a corner of Mercer. 

It is thirty miles long, and from twenty-four to thirty 
miles broad — containing 792 square miles. 

It is watered by Henderson and Spoon rivers, and their 
tributaries. 

The prairies in this county are large and generally of the 
best quality; and there are several large and excellent 
tracts of timber on the water courses. The soil in general 
is of the first quality. 

Knox county was laid off by the legislature in a gene- 
ral distribution of counties on the military tract, in Janu- 
ary, 1825, though not organised for judicial purposes till 
about five years after. 

It belongs to the fifth judicial circuit, and with Warren 
and Henry sends one member to each branch of the legis- 
lature. 

Population about 2000. 

Seat of justice, Knoxville. 

10* 



114 A GAZETTEER 



LA SALLE COUNTY. 

La Salle County was formed in 1831. It is bounded 
north by Kane, east by Will, south by Livingston and 
M'Lean, and west by Putnam. It is 48 miles \ans from 
east to west, and 36 miles wide, with an addition of four 
townships projecting south from its southwest corner — 
containing about 1864 square miles. 

Besides the Illinois river, which passes through it, 
Fox river, Big and Little Vermilion, Crow creek, Au Sa- 
ble, Indian creek, Mason, Tomahawk, and several smaller 
streams water this county. In general, the streams in 
this part of the state run over a rocky or gravelly bed, and 
have but few alluvial bottoms near them. 

Like the adjacent counties, La Salle is deficient in tim- 
ber; but contains abundance of rich, undulating, dry prai- 
rie, fine mill streams, extensive coal beds, and must even- 
tually become a rich county. Its situation will enable 
the population to send off their produce either by the Illi- 
nois river to a southern market, or by the lakes to the 
north. 

La Salle county belongs to the seventh judicial circuit 
and with Kane sends one representative, and, with the ad- 
dition of Iroquois, one senator to the legislature. 

The seat of justice is Ottawa. 



LAWRENCE COUNTY. 

Lawrence County was formed in 1821, from a part of 
Edwards and Crawford, and is situated on the eastern 
side of the state, opposite Vincennes. 

It is bounded north by Crawford, and a corner of Jas- 
per; east by the Wabash river; south by Wabash and 
Edwards counties; and west by Clay. 

It is twenty milns across, north and south, and a medium 
length of twenty-eight miles— containing about 560 square 
miles. 



OF ILLINOIS. 115 

It is watered by the Embarras river, and Racoon creek, 
which pass through it, and Fox river on its western bor- 
der. The baniis of these streams are low and subject to 
inundation. 

In the low prairies, near the Wabash, are swamps and 
slouglis, Icnown by the name of " purgatory," which, in a 
wet season, are miry, and extremely unpleasant to the 
traveler. Over some of these, bridges and levees are now 
constructed. In a dry season, the water evaporates, and 
the ground becomes firm. 

Lawrence county contains about an equal proportion of 
timber and prairie, some of which is inferior land, and 
other portions of an excellent quality. 

Its exports are corn, beef, pork, cattle, etc., much of 
which is sent down the Big Wabash in flat boats to New 
Orleans. 

This county belongs to the fourth judicial circuit, and 
sends two members to the house of representatives, and, 
with Crawford and Jasper one to the senate. 

The county seat is Lawrenceville, 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 

Livingston County w'as formed from La Salle, McLean, 
and an attached portion of Vermilion county, in February, 
1837. It is 36 miles long, and about 30 miles wide; con- 
taining about 1040 square miles. 

It is bounded north by La Salle, east by a strip of coun- 
try attached to Vermilion, south by the same tract, and 
McLean, and west by McLean and La Salle counties. 

It contains some rich tracts of timbered land, and a 
large quantity of fine rich undulating prairie. It is wa- 
tered by the Mackinau and its branches, and by the Muddy 
Fork, Otter Fork, and other small streams. 

Limestone and coal are its principal minerals. Livings- 
ton county belongs to the first judicial circuit, while one 
portion is represented in the legislature by the represen- 
tation of La Salle, and the other by that of McLean. 

Its seat of justice is not yet established. 



116 A GAZETTEER 



MACON COUNTY. 



Macon County was formed from the attached part of 
Shelby, in 1829, and is bounded north by McLean; east 
by Champaign and Coles; south by Shelby; and west by 
Sangamon. 

It is thirty-nine miles long, and thirty-six broad — con- 
taining 1,404 square miles. 

The southeastern portion is watered by the Kaskaskia 
and its tributaries; the middle and northern portions by 
the North Fork of the Sangamon; and the northwestern 
part by Salt creek. 

There is much first rate land in Macon county. Some 
of the prairies are large, and, in the interior, level and 
wet; but generally dry, rich, aud undulating near the 
timber. 

Macon county is attached to the first judicial circuit 
and sends one representative, and with McLean county, 
one senator. The population is estimated at 3,600. 

The county seat is Decatur. 



MADISON COUNTY. 

Madison County was organised from St. Clair county, 
in 1812, and then embraced a large portion of the state. It 
is now bounded north by Greene, Macoupin, and a corner 
of Montgomery counties; east, by Bond, and a corner of 
Clinton; south by St. Clair; and west by the Mississippi. 

It is 24 miles from north to south; and from 28 to 36 miles 
from east to west — and contains about 750 square miles. 

It is watered by Silver and Cahokia creeks, and Wood 
river, and their branches. 

A portion of this county lies in the American bottom, 
but much of it is high, undulating, and proportionably 
divided into timber and prairie. 

Settlements were formed in this county about thirty- 
five years since. Coal, and building stone, are abundant. 



OF ILLINOIS. 117 

Around Alton, and along Wood river, and Cahokia creek, 
is one of the finest bodies of timber in this part of the 
state. 

The prairies are very advantageously situated for set- 
tlements, and will soon be covered with well cultivated 
farms. Wheat, corn, beef, pork, horses, cattle, and al- 
most every production of Illinois, are raised in this county, 
and find a ready market. 

Madison county belongs to the S€Cond judicial circuit, 
and sends one senator and two representatives to the legis- 
lature, and unites with St. Clair and Monroe in another 
senator. 

The seat of justice is EdwardsviUe, 



MACOUPIN COUNTY. 

Macoupin County was organised from the attached por- 
tion of Greene county, in 1829. It is bounded north by 
Sangamon and Morgan; east by Montgomery; south by 
Madison; and west by Greene. It is thirty-six miles 
long, from north to south; and twenty-four miles broad — 
containing 864 square miles. 

The Macoupin creek and its branches water the middle 
and western parts, the Cahokia creek the southeastern, 
and the heads of Wood river and Piasau, the south- 
western parts of the county. 

Some of the prairies on the eastern side are large, level, 
and wet; but a large portion of the county is excellent 
soil, and well proportioned into timber and prairie, and 
rapidly settling. About one-third of the county is tim- 
bered land. It is an excellent agricultural county, and 
will soon produce large quantities of pork, beef, wheat, 
etc., which will naturally reach the market at Alton. 

Macoupin county sends one member to the house of 
representatives, and one to the senate. The county seat 
is Carl'uiville. 



118 A GAZETTEER 



MARION COUNTY. 

Marion County lies in the interior of the state, and is 
bounded north by Fayette; east by Clay, and a corner of 
Wayne; south by Jefferson; and West by Clinton, and a 
corner of Fayette. 

It was formed from Jefferson and Fayette counties, in 
1823, is twenty-four miles in extent, and contains 576 
square miles. 

Marion county embraces the southern part of the Grand 
prairie, and is watered by Crooked creek, and the East 
ForK of the Kaskaskia, on its western, and Skillet Fork 
on its eastern side. 

It has considerable land of second quality; about one 
third timber, and the rest prairie. Considerable post oak 
timber is found in this county. 

Marion county is attached to the third judicial circuit, 
sends one member to the house of representatives, and, 
with Clinton, one member to the senate. 

The county seat is Salem. 

Population, 3,000. 



MCDONOUGH COUNTY. 

McDonough County was formed from Pike county, in 
1825, but not organised till 1829. It is situated in the 
centre of the military tract; is bounded north by War- 
ren; east by Fulton; south by Schuyler; and west by 
Hancock. 

It is twenty-four miles square, with an area of sixteen 
townships, 576 square miles, and 368,640 acres. 

Crooked creek and its branches water mostof this tract. 
The eastern side of McDonough county for eight or ten 
miles in width is prairie; the remainder is suitably pro- 
portioned into timber and prairie of the richest quality. 
A tract of country, fifteen or twenty miles square, taken 
from the eastern side of Hancock and the western half of 



OF ILLINOIS. 119 

McDonough, is not excelled for agricultural purposes by 
any portion of the great valley. 

Most of the streams have good mill seats for a portion 
of the year. 

McDonough county is attached to the fifth judicial cir- 
cuit, sends one representative, and, with Hancock, one 
senator to the legislature. 

The seat of justice is Macomb, 



MCHENRY COUNTY. 

McHenry County was formed from Cook county, Janu- 
ary, 1836, and is bounded north by Wisconsin Territory; 
east by lake Michigan; south by Cook; and west by 
Boone county. 

It is about forty miles long and twenty-four miles wide, 
containing about 960 square miles. This includes only 
its laud area. Its legal boundary extends east to the 
middle of Lake Michigan. 

It is watered by the north branch of the Chicago, Des 
Plaines, Fox river and branches, together with Cache 
Mere, Crystal and other small lakes. Some of these lakes 
have limpid water, gravelly beds, with ridges of gravel 
and sand around them. 

East side of Fox river, the soil approaches to a clay, 
while on the western side it is a rich, sandy loam. Tim- 
ber abounds along the lake shore, and near the streams, 
with many beautiful groves and oak openings in the in- 
terior. It is similar in quality to Kane and Ogle coun- 
ties. Limestone is plenty. 

McHenry belongs to the seventh judicial circuit, and is 
connected with Cook and Will counties in its represen- 
tation. 

The seat of justice is not yet located. 



12Q A GAZETTEER 



MCLEAN COUNTY. 

McLean County has Livingston and La Salle on the 
north; an irregular strip of country, and a corner of Chanti- 
paign county, east; Macon, south; Sangamon touches it 
on the southwest; and Tazewell lies west. 

It is from twenty-eight to forty-eijjht miles long, and 
forty-two to twelve broad, having 1,675 square miles. 

One third of the eastern, and a portion of the northern 
side of this county is one vast prairie, and yet it has large 
tracts of the finest timbered land in the state. The tim- 
ber is beautifully arranged in groves of various shapes 
and sizes, from those of fifteen or eighteen square miles, 
down to those of a few acres. 

McLean county is watered by the Kickapoo, Sugar 
creek, and Salt creek, all which take their rise in the 
prairies of this couniy. The heads of the Vermilion 
river of the Illinois are found in the northeastern corner 
and those of Sangamon are on the eastern skirts. These 
streams furnish good mill seats when the water is not too 
low. 

The country is elevated, moderately undulating, and of 
a rich soil. \Vhere timber exists it is usually of excellent 
quality. Here are to be found oak of various species, 
walnut, hickory, ash, sugar maple, elm, hackberry, lin- 
den, cherry, and many other kinds. Papaw is frequently 
amongst the smaller growth. 

Of the minerals, limestone is found on the branches of 
the Vermilion. Granite, in detached masses, or boulders, 
called by the settlers " lost rocks," and used for mill 
stones, are plentifully scattered over the country. Coal 
is found in several settlements. 

McLean county sends two representatives, and, with 
Macon, one senator to the legislature. 

The seat of justice is Bloomington. 



OF ILLINOIS. 121 



MERCER COUNTY. 

Mercer County lies north of Warren; west of Henry; 
and south of Rock Island counties, and has the Missis- 
sippi on its western side. 

It is about thirty-two miles long and eighteen miles 
wide, containing about 550 square miles. 

It is watered by Edwards and Pope rivers, and the 
northern branches of Henderson river, along which are 
excellent tracts of timber, as there is on the borders of the 
Mississippi. Its middle and eastern parts have extensive 
tracts of prairie. 

It is said that the seasons are more uniform, the win- 
ters more severe, and the summers more pleasant than in 
the counties further south; but the frosts of spring do not 
injure the labours of the husbandman. 

The soil is rich, undulating and excellent for farming. 

Mercer is attached to the sixth judicial circuit, and 
unites with Rock Island and Jo Daviess counties, in 
sending two representatives and one senator to the legis- 
lature. 

The seat of justice is New Boston, 



MONROE COUNTY. 

Monroe County was formed out of Randolph and St. 
Clair counties, in 1816. It is bounded north by St. Clair; 
east by St. Clair and Randolph; south by Randolph; and 
west by the Mississippi. Its shape is quite irregular; 
its average length is twenty miles; average width eighteen 
miles, contairiing about 360 square miles. 

It is watered by Horse, Prairie de Long, and Eagle 
creeks. The American bottom, which is alluvion, runs 
through the county adjacent to the Mississippi, and is 
divided into timber and prairie. On the blutfs, the 
country is hilly and broken, with sink holes. Around 
Waterloo, end New Design, and on the eastern border 
11 



122 A GAZETTEER 

of the county, is considerable good land, and a mixture of 
timber and prairie. 

Monroe county is attached to the second judicial cir- 
cuit, and sends one member to the house of representa- 
tives, and one to the senate. 

The seat of justice is Waterloo, 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

Montgomery County was formed from Bond, in 1821. 
It is bounded north by Sangamon; east by Shelby and 
Fayette; south by Bond; and west by Madison and Ma- 
coupin counties. 

It is thirty-four miles long, with an average width of 
twenty-seven miles, and has about 960 square miles. 

It is watered by Shoal creek and its branches, some of 
the heads of the Macoupin, a branch of the South Fork 
of the Sangamon, and the Hurricane Fork, and is propor- 
tionably divided into timber and prairie. The surface is 
generally high and undulating. 

Montgomery county belongs to the second judicial cir- 
cuit, and sends one member to the house of representa- 
tives, and, in connection with Bond one to the senate. 

The seat of justice is Ifillsboro\ 



MORGAN COUNTY. 

Morgan County, one of the most flourishing counties in 
the state, lying on the east side of the Illinois river, was 
formed from the attached part of Greene, in January, 
1823. 

It is bounded north by Cass; east by Sangamon; 
south by Macoupin and Greene; and west by the Illinois 
river, which separates it from Pike and Schuyler. It is 
thirty-four miles long; medium width, twenty-seven; area 
918 square miles. 

The Illinois river washes its western border; Indian, 



OF ILLINOIS, 123 

Maiivaiseterre, Apple, Sandy, and several smaller creeks 
rise within its borders, and pass throagh it, furnishing 
many good mill seats. 

Morgan county is destined to become one of the rich- 
est agricultural counties in the state. In 1821, the tract 
of country embraced within the limits of this county, con- 
tained only twenty families, [n 1825, its population was 
4,052; in 1830, it was 13,281; and now, is estimated at 
20,000, without Cass county. 

It is well proportioned into timber and prairie, well 
watered, and contains many extensive and well cultivated 
farms. In this county are more than thirty mills for 
sawing and grinding, propelled by animal or water power. 
Seven large steam mills are in operation, and two more 
have been commenced, and will be finished the present 
year. 

Improved farms, in the populous parts of the county, 
sell for from ten to twenty dollars per acre; several towns 
and villages have been commenced besides Jacksonville, 
which are in a thriving condition. 

Emigration, attended with industry and enterprise, in 
a few fleetinor years, has changed a regian that we have 
seen in all the wildne&s of uncultivated nature, into smil- 
ing villages and luxuriant fields, and rendered it the hap- 
py abode of intelligence and virtue. 

Morgan county belongs to the first judicial circuit, 
sends six members to the house of representatives, and 
three to the senate. 

The seat of justice is Jacksonville, 



OGLE COUNTY. 

Ogle County was formed from Jo Daviess, and a part 
of the attached portion of La Salle, January, 1836. It 
is from 36 to 42 miles long, and 36 miles wide; — contain- 
ing about 1440 square miles. 

Rock river passes diagonally through its northwestern 
portion. Winnebago Swamp and Inlet, and several other 



124 A GAZETTEER 

swamps are in its southern part. Pine, Leaf, and Kite 
rivers, and several smaller streams, all of u^hich empty 
themselves into Rock river, furnish p^ood mill seats. 
The timber is chiefly in groves, many of which are pecu- 
liarly beautiful, and of various shapes and sizes. Much 
of the surface is undulating-, the soil calcareous, deep and 
rich, and the country is rapidly settling. The present 
population may be estimated at 1-200. 

Ogle county belongs to the sixth judicial circuit; — its 
representative connection is with Jo Daviess and several 
other counties. Its courts are held temporarily at Oregoa 
city, but its seat of justice is not permanently established. 



PEORIA COUNTY. 

Peoria County lies on the west side of the Illinois 
river, about two hundred miles by water, and a hundred 
and fifty by land, above the junction of the Mississippi. 
This county contains considerable tracts of excellent 
land. 

Its principal settlements are Peoria, Kickapoo creek, 
La Salle prairie, Senatchvvine, Prince's and Harkness' 
settlements. 

It is watered by the Kickapoo, the heads of Spo,on 
river, Coj)peras creek and the Senatchwine. On the Kic- 
kapoo, and on the shore of Peoria lake, for several miles, 
the timber is good but the prairie ])redominates. 

Peoria county was formed from Pike county, in 1825, 
and is bounded north by Putnam; east by Tazewell; 
south by Fulton; and west by Knox. It is about twenty- 
seven miles long, and has an average width of twent}'- 
four miles — containing about G48 square miles. 

One of the principal roads to Galena passes through 
this county. 

The surface of the land is moderately rolling; on the 
Kickapoo it degenerates into bluffs and ravines. In the 
western and northwestern portion there is a scarcity of 
timber. Between Peoria and La Salle prairie is heavy 



OF ILLINOIS. 125 

timber, from two to five miles in width, and in places 
beyond the bluffs. In the bottom land adjoining the 
lake, are spots that overflow; but, in general, it is fit for 
cultivation. The bottom timber consists of oaks of va- 
rious species, white and black walnut, ash, hackberry, 
locust and some hickory, buckeye, coffee nut, and grape 
vines. 

Peoria County belongs to the sixth judicial circuit, and 
sends one representative, and with Putnam, one senator 
to the legislature. 

The seat of justice is Peoria, 



PERRY COUNTY. 

Perry County was organised from Randolph and Jack- 
son counties, in 1827, and is bounded north by Washing- 
ton; east by Jefferson and Franklin; south by Jackson; 
and west by Randolph. It is twenty-five miles long, 
from east to west, and eighteen miles wide — containing 
447 square miles. 

The Big Beaucoup and its tributaries run through the 
middle of this county, from north to south, and the Lit- 
tle Muddy touches its eastern border. 

About one third of Perry county is prairie, tolerably 
level, good soil, and susceptible of immediate cultivation. 

Its productions are corn, beef cattle, pork, tobacco, and 
some cotton. This little county has sent to market many 
fat steers and fat hogs per annum. 

Perry sends one member to the house of representatives, 
and with Washington, one member to the senate. It belongs 
to the third judicial circuit. 

Pinckneyville is the seat of justice. 



PIKE COUNTY. 

Pike County is the oldest county on the military tract, 
and was erected from Madison and other counties, in 

11* 



126 A GAZETTEER 

1821. It then embraced the whole country north and 
west of the Illinois river; but by the subsequent fornna- 
tion of new counties, it is now reduced to ordinary size, 
containing about twenty-two townships, or 800 square 
miles. 

It is bounded north, by Adams; east, by Schuyler, and 
the Illinois river; south, by that river and Calhoun; and 
west by the Mississippi. 

Besides the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, which wash 
two sides, it has the Snycartee slough running the whole 
length of its western border, which affords steamboat 
navigation to Atlas at a full stage of water. Pike coun- 
ty is watered by the Pigeon, Hadley, Keys, Black, Dutch, 
Church, Six Mile, and Bay creeks, which fall into the 
Mississippi; and Big and Little Blue, and the North and 
West forks of McKee's creeks, which enter the Illinois. 
Good mill seats are furnished by these streams. 

The land is various. The section of country, or rather 
island between the Snycartee slough and the Missis- 
sippi, is a sandy soil, but mostly inundated land at the 
spring floods. It furnishes a great summer and winter 
range for stocks, affording considerable open prairies; 
with skirts of heavy bottom timber near the streams. 
Along the bluffs, and for two or three miles back, the 
land is chiefly timbered but cut up with ravines, and 
quite rolling. In the interior, and towards Schuyler 
county, excellent prairie and timbered uplands are found 
especially about the Blue rivers and McKee's creek. This 
must eventually become a rich and populous county. 

In Pleasant Vale, on Key's creek, is a salt spring, 
twenty feet in diameter, which boils from the earth, and 
throws off a stream of some size forming a salt pond in its 
vicinity. Salt has been made here though not in great 
quantities. 

Pike county is connected with Adams and Hancock, and 
sends two representatives and one senator to the legisla- 
ture, and belongs to the fifth judicial circuit. 

The seat of justice is Pittsjield. 



OF ILLINOIS. 127 



POPE COUNTY. 

Pope County was formed from Gallatin and Johnson 
counties, and is situated in the southern part or the state, 
and is bounded north by Gallatin, east and south by the 
Ohio river; and west by Johnson county. 

It was organised as a county, in 1816, by the territo- 
rial government; and, after having been subsequently 
reduced, is now thirty-six miles long, with a medium 
width of about sixteen miles, and an area of 576 square 
miles. 

The Ohio makes a bend so as to wash its eastern and 
Bouthern sides, and project into the interior. Big Bay 
creek rises towards its northwestern corner, and, after 
entering Johnson county, turns again into Pope, and 
runs a southeastern course to the Ohio. Lusk's creek, 
and some smaller streams, give it the character of a well 
watered county. It is generally well timbered with the 
varieties that abound on that side of the state; the sur- 
face is tolerably level; the soil of a good quality, but 
rather sandy. 

Corn, beef, pork, oats, potatoes, horses, etc., are articles 
of exportation in considerable quantities. 

Pope county sends one member to the house of repre- 
sentatives, and with Johnson, one to the senate. It be- 
longs to the third judicial circuit. 

The seat of justice is Golconda, 



PUTNAM COUNTY. 

Putnam County was formed from Pike county in 1825, 
but not organised for judicial purposes till 1831, when 
the boundaries were altered. 

It is now situated on both sides of the Illinois river, 
and is bounded north by Ogle, and Whiteside counties; east 
by La Salle; south by Tazewell and Peoria; and west by 
Henry and a portion of Knox counties. 



128 A GAZETTEER 

It is Ihirty-six miles long, and thirty six miles broad, 
besides a. fractional portion in its south eastern part— and 
contains about 1,340 square miles. 

The Illinois river enters this county on its eastern 
border, makes a large bend and passes out at its southern 
side. The Bureau, Crov/, and some smaller streams enter 
the Illinois within this county, and Spoon river waters its 
western border. 

Some of the finest lands in the state are in this county; 
beautiful groves of timber, and rich, undulating, and dry 
prairies. 

There are a number of large settlements of industrious 
and thrifty farmers, amongst which are Bureau Grove, Ox 
Bow Prairie, Knox's settlement, Spoon river settle- 
ment, and Strawn's settlement. Population about 4,800. 

There are many fine springs in the county, and excellent 
mill seats on the streams. 

Besides oaks of several species, there are most of the 
varieties of timber common to the state, as black and 
white walimt, sugar maple, blue, white, and hoop ash, 
elm, cherry, aspen, iron wood, buckeye, linden, locust^ 
mulberry, etc. 

Lime stone, sand stone, free stone and bituminous coal, 
are its principal mineral productions, and in sufficient 
quantities. 

Produce will be sent down the Illinois river in steam 
boats from Hennepin. 

A few tracts of prairie in this country are level and wet, 
and there are some small ponds and swamps in the north- 
ern part. 

In this county are three Presbyterian, two Baptist, one 
Congregational, and three or four Methodist societies, a 
county Bible society that has twice supplied all the des- 
titute with Bibles, a temperance society, a county Sunday 
School Union, ten Sunday schools, a county lyceum, and 
several other philanthropic societies. 

Putnam county belongs to the sixth judicial circuit, and 
sends one representative, and with Peoria one senator to the 
legislature. 

The seat of justice is Hennepin, 



OF ILLINOIS. 129 



RANDOLPH COUNTY, 



.Randolph County was formed before the organisation 
of the territory of Illinois, and is the oldest county, ex- 
cept'St. Clair, in the state. 

It is bounded north by Monroe, St Clair, and Wash- 
ington counties; east by Perry; south by the Mississippi 
river and a corner of Jackson county; and west by the 
Mississippi. 

Its medium length and breadth is about twenty-four 
miles, though from curvatures of the Mississippi, it con- 
tains but about 540 square miles. 

It is watered by the Kaskaskia river, and St. Mary, 
Horse, and some smaller creeks. The soil is of various 
kinds; from first rate to indifferent, and has a diversity of 
surface, from the low alluvion, and the undulating prairie, 
to the rugged bluffs and abrupt precipices. 

Randolph county belongs to the second judicial circuit, 
sends two members to the house of representatives, and 
one to the senate. 

County seat, Kaskaskia. 



ROCK ISLAND. 

Rock Island is a small irregularly shaped county, form- 
ed from portions of Mercer and Jo Daviess counties, in 
1831, but subsequently organised by the judge of the fifth 
judicial circuit. The boundaries of this county, as defined 
by law, begin *' at the middle of the main channel of the 
Mississippi, where the north line of township fifteen north 
intersects the same; thence east, to the fourth principal 
meridian; thence north, with said meridian, to the middle 
of the main channel of Rock river; thence up said chan- 
nel to the confluence of the Marais dWgee slough or creek; 
thence along said slough to the middle of the Missis- 
sippi river, and down that channel to the place of begin- 
ning." It contains about 400 square miles. 



130 A GAZETTEER 

Rock river, and some minor streams, water this county. 
Rock Island, in the Mississippi, is included in this county. 
The soil along the Mississi|)pi for twenty-five miles is al- 
luvion, sandy, and rich, iiFcluding the site of the old Sauk 
village. There is much good land in the interior of the 
county, between the rivers. 

This county elects a senator and representative in con- 
junction with Jo Daviess and Mercer. 

The county seat is Stephenson. 



SANGAMON COUNTY. 

Sangamon County is one of the largest and most flour- 
ishing, counties in the state. It is bounded on the north 
by Tazewell; east, by Macon; south by Montgomery 
and Macoupin; and west by Cass and Morgan counties. 
The northwestern corner runs down between the San- 
gamon river, which separates it from Cass county, and 
Tazewell county, to the Illinois river. 
' It is forty-eight miles long, besides the corner mention- 
ed; and forty-five miles wide — containing, in the whole, 
an area of about 1,270 square miles. 

Sangamon county is watered by the Sangamon river and 
its numerous branches. Those which take their rise with- 
in the limits of the county are Clary's, Rock, Richland, 
Prairie, Spring, Lick, Sugar, Horse, and Brush creeks, 
on the south side, proceeding upward in the arrangement; 
and Crane, Indian, Cantrill's, Fancy, Wolf, and Clear 
creeks, which enter from the opposite side. Those 
branches vi'hich rise without the county, and yet run a con- 
siderable distance within it, are Salt creek and branches, 
North Fork, and South Fork. These streams not only 
furnish this county with an abundance of excellent water 
and a number of good mill seats, but are lined with ex- 
tensive tracts of first rate timbered land. 

Here are oaks of various species, walnut, sugar maple, 
elm, linden, hickory, ash, hackberry, honey locust, mul- 
berry, sycamore, cotton wood, sassafras, etc., together 
with the various shrubs, common to the country. 



OF ILLINOIS. 



131 



The size of the prairies in Sangamon county is seized 
upon as an objection, by persons who are not accustomed 
to a prairie country. But were the timber a little more 
equally distributed with prairie surface, its supply would 
be abundant. The prairies vary in width from one to eight 
or ten miles, and somewhat indefinite in length, being con- 
nected at the heads of the streams. 

Much of the soil in this county is of the richest qua- 
lity, being a calcareous loam, from one to three feet deep, 
intermixed with fine sand. The point of land that lies 
between the Sangamon and the Illinois rivers, which is 
chiefly prairie, is divided betwixt inundated land, dry 
prairie, and sand ridges. A. stranger to observations upon 
the surface of Illinois, upon first sight, would pronounce 
most parts of Sangamon county a level or plane. It is 
not so. With the exception of the creek bottoms and the 
interior of large prairies, it has an undulating surface, 
quite sufficient to render it one of the finest agricultural 
districts in the United States. These remarks are not 
meant exclusively for Sangamon. They apply with equal 
propriety to many other counties on both sides of the Illi- 
nois river. What has been heretofore known to persons 
abroad as the Sangamon country, may now be included 
in a large district, containing a number of large and popu- 
lous counties. 

This county contains a larger quantity of rich land than 
any other in the state, and therefore can maintain a larger 
agricultural population, which is the great basis of na- 
tional wealth. A distinguished writer, speaking of the 
state of Illinois, and particularly of this portion of it, re- 
marks in a letter to a friend from Springfield, Illinois, — of 

March 2d: . , . i 

"Our 'far west' is improving rapidly, astonishmgly. 
It is five years since I visited it, and the changes within 
that period are like the work of enchantment. Flourishing 
towns have grown up, farms have been opened, comfort- 
able dwellings, fine barns and all a])purtenances, in a 
country in which the hardy pioneer had at that time 
sprinkled a few log cabins. The conception of Coleridge 



132 A GAZETTEER 

may be realised sooner than he anticipated. The possible 
destiny of the U. States as a nation of a hundred millions 
of freemen — stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
living under the laws of Alfred, and speaking the language 
of Shakspeare and Milton, is an august conception — why 
should we not wish to see it realized] On the subject of 
internal improvements tlie young giant of the west is 
making Herculean efforts — a bill passed the legislature 
last winter appropriating eight millions of dollars for rail- 
roads, canals, &c., works whicii, when completed, will 
cost twenty millions. A bill also passed transferring the 
seat of government from Vandalia, in Fayette county, to 
this place, Springfield, which is in the fertile district of 
Sangamon county, and as near as may be to the geographi- 
cal centre of the state, and soon will be the centre of 
population. 

"The state of Illinois has probably the finest body of 
fertile land of any state in the Union, and the opportuni- 
ties for speculation are numerous — property will continue 
to advance — admirable farms and town lots may be pur- 
chased with a certainty of realising large profits. The 
country here is beautiful — equal in native attractions 
though not in classic recollections to the scenes I visited 
and admired in Italy. The vale of Arno is not more 
beautiful than the valley of Sangamon, with its lonely 
groves and murmuring brooks and flowing meads. — 

* Oh Italy, sweet clime of song, where oft 

The bard hath sung thy beauties, matchless deemed. 

Thou hast a rival in this western land.' " 

The first settlement on the waters of the Sangamon, 
made by white people for a permanent abode, was in 1819; 
the county was organised in 1821, and then embraced a 
tract of country 125 miles long, and seventy-five broad. 

The public lands were first offered for sale in Novem- 
ber, 1823, by which time, however, farms of considerable 
size, even to 100 acres of cultivated land, had been made. 

At the present time, the borders of the prairies are co- 
vered with hundreds of smiling farms, and the interior 



OF ILLINOIS. 133 

animated with thousands of domestic animals. The rough 
and unseemly cabin is givingplace to comfortable framed 
or brick tenements, and plenty every where smiles upon 
the labors of the husbandman. 

This county is in the geographical centre of the state, and 
wull eventually be in the centre of population. 

Its river market and deposit is Beardstown; but much of 
its imports will be received and its exports sent off by its 
own river, which has already been navigated by steam to 
the vicinity of Springfield, and when some of its obstruc- 
tions are removed, will afford convenient navigation for 
steamboats of the smaller class. Its exports now are beef 
cattle, pork, wheat, flour, corn meal, butter, cheese, etc. 
and soon will include almost every article of a rich, agri- 
cultural country. 

Sangamon county belongs to the first judicial circuit, 
sends seven members to the house of representatives, and 
two members to the senate. 

Its population, at the last census, was 17,573, its num- 
ber now would exceed 20,000. 

Villages and towns are springing up, some of which may 
become places of note, as Athens, New Salem, Richland, 
Salisbury, Greenfield, Rochester, etc. 

The seat of justice \b Springfield. 



SCHUYLER COUNTY. 

Schuyler County wzs formed from Pike county, in 1825, 
and lies on the Illinois river, opposite Morgan county. It 
is bounded north by McDonough,and a corner of Fulton; 
east by Fulton, and the Illinois river; south by the Illi- 
nois river, and Pike; and west by Adams and a corner of 
Hancock. 

The southeastern side is washed by the Illinois, the 
interior is watered by Crooked and Crane creeks, the south 
western by McKee's creek, and the northeastern part by 
Sugar creek. 

Schuyler county is of an irregular shape, thirty miles 
12 



134 A GAZETTEER 

long-, and from eighteen to thirty broad — containing about 
864 square miles. 

Along the Illinois river is considerable land inundated 
at high floods, generally heavily timbered, as is more than 
one half of the county. The middle and northern portions 
are divided into timber and prairie of an excellent quality. 
Along Crooked creek is an extensive body of fine timber. 
Sugar creek also furnishes another body of timber eight 
or ten miles wide. 

Schuyler county is attached to the fifth judicial circuit, 
and sends two members to the house of representatives, 
and one member to the senate. 

Mushville is the county seat. 



SHELBY COUNTY. 

Shelby County was formed from Fayette, in 1827, and 
is bounded on the north by Macon; east by Coles; south 
by Effingham and Fayette: and west by Montgomery, and 
a corner of Sangamon. 

It is thirty-six miles long and thirty broad — area, 1,080 
square miles. 

It is watered by the Kaskaskia and tributaries. 

Shelby county contains a large amount of excellent land, 
both timber and prairie, and is one of the best inland ag- 
ricultural counties in the state. 

Shelby sends one member to the house of representa- 
tives, and one to the senate. It belongs to the second ju- 
dicial circuit. The population is about 5,500. 

The seat of justice is Shelbyville. 



ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

^S"^. Clair County is the oldest county in the state, and 
was formed by the legislature of the Northwestern Ter- 
ritory in 1794 or '95, and then included all the settlements 
on the eastern side of the Mississippi. It now lies on 



OF ILLINOIS. 135 

that river opposite St. Louis, and is bounded north by 
Madison county; east by Clinton and Washington; and 
south by Randolph and Monroe counties — containing 
1,030 square miles. 

The land is various, much of which is good first and 
second rate soil, and is proportionably divided into tim- 
ber, prairie, and barrens. The prairies are distinguished 
as Looking Glass, Twelve Mile, Ogle's, Ridge, Bottom, 
and Du Pont prairies. 

The streams are Cahokia, Prairie du Pont, Ogle's creek, 
Silver creek, Richland creek, Prairie de Long, and the 
Kaskaskia river. 

Its timber comprises the varieties found on the western 
side of the state. 

The exports are beef, pork, flour, and all the varieties 
in the St. Louis market. 

Extensive coal banks exist in this county, along the 
bluffs, from which St. Louis is partially supplied with 
fuel. The quantity hauled there in wagons, in 1836, 
amounted to about 300,000 bushels. A railroad is now 
making from these mines to the river, opposite St. Louis, 
by a private company. 

There are five steam mills in this county, besides a 
number propelled by water and animal power. Belleville 
and Lebanon are its principal tovi^ns. Cahokia and Illi- 
nois are small villages. The people of this county are a 
mixture of Americans, French, and Germans, about 10,000 
in number. 

St. Clair county belongs to the second judicial circuit, 
and sends one senator and two representatives to the le- 
gislature, and, with Madison and Monroe, an additional 
senator. 

The seat of justice is, Belleville. 



STEPHENSON COUNTY. 

Stephenson County was formed from Jo Daviess and 
Winnebago counties, in February, 1837, and is bounded 



136 A GAZETTEER 

north by "Wisconsin Territory, east by Winnebago county, 
south by Ogle and Jo Daviess, and west by Jo Daviess 
county. 

It is 27 miles long, and 21 miles wide, containing about 
560 [square miles. 

It is watered by the Peekatonokee and its tributaries 
on the north, and the heads of Plum river and smaller 
streams in the southwestern part. 

The timberis mostly in groves; the prairies generally un- 
dulating and rich, with tracts of hilly barrens and oak 
openings. The population is not large, but rapidly set- 
tling, as are all the northern counties. 

For judicial and representative purposes it is attached 
to Jo Daviess county. 



TAZEWELL COUNTY. 

Tazewell County was formed from Peoria county, in 
1827. It is bounded north by Putnam; east by McLean; 
south by Sangamon; and has the Illinois river along its 
northwestern border, which gives it a triangnlar form. 

Its extreme length is forty-eight miles, and its extreme 
width forty-two miles — containing about 1,130 square 
miles. 

It is watered by the Illinois river, which extends the 
whole length of its northwestern side, Mackinaw, and its 
branches, Ten Mile, Farm, and Blue creeks, all which 
enter the Illinois, with some of the head branches of the 
Sangamon. 

A strip of this county, consisting mostly of sandy 
prairies, puts down the Illinois river, and between that and 
Sangamon county. On the bluffs of the Mackinau and 
the other streams, the land is broken, and the timber chief- 
ly oak; in other portions of the county it has an undulating 
appearance and has much good land. 

Below Pekin, and towards Havanna, are swamps, 
ponds, and sand ridges. Thesouth eastern portion of the 
county is watered by Sugar creek and its branches. 



OF ILLINOIS. 137 

This will soon be a rich agricultural county. Pleasant 
Grove and the adjacent country is delightful. 

Tazewell county belongs to the first judicial circuit, 
and sends one senator and two representatives to the legis- 
lature. 

The county seat is Tremont. 



UNION COUNTY. 

Union County w^s formed from Johnson county, in 1818, 
and is bounded north by Jackson; east bv Franklin; 
south by Alexander; and west by the Mississippi river. 

It is twenty-four miles long, and from twenty to twenty- 
six miles broad, containing above 396 square miles, and 
is watered by Clear creek, some of tho south branches of 
Big Muddy, and the heads of Cash river. A large bend 
of the Big Muddy projects a few miles into the county 
towards its northwestern portion, and some sloughs and 
ponds are found on the Mississippi bottom. Much of this 
county is high, rolling, timbered land. Here are found 
oaks of various kinds, hickory, white and black walnut, 
poplar, some beech, and other species of timber common 
to the country. There is considerable German population 
in this county. 

Union county belongs to the third judicial circuit, and 
sends one member to the house of representatives, and, 
with Alexander, one to the senate. 

The exports from this county are corn, beef, pork, 
hordes, etc. Large quantities of produce from this county 
go down the river to New Orleans in flat boats. 

The county seat is Jonesboro\ 



VERMILION COUNTY. 

Vermilion County was formed from Edgar, in 1826, 
and lies north of Edgar and Coles; east of Champaign; 
south of Iroquois, and west of the state of Indiana. 

12* 



138 A GAZETTEER 

It is forty-two miles long, and about twenty-four miles 
wide, containing about 1,000 square miles. 

Vermilion county is watered by the Big and Little Ver- 
milion rivers, and tributaries, and contains large bodies 
of excellent land. In the eastern part of the county the 
timber predominates, amongst which is the poplar and 
beech. Along the streams are oaks of various species, 
hickory, walnut, linden, hackberry, ash, elm, and various 
other kinds common to Illinois. The soil of the prairies 
is a calcareous loam, from one to three feet deep. Their 
surface is generally dry and undulating. 

The exports are pork, beef, corn, salt, etc., which find 
a convenient market at the towns on the Wabash, and 
down that river to New Orleans. In da« time much of 
the produce of the Vermilion country will pass by the way 
of Chicago and the lakes; and up the Wabash, and 
through a canal to Lake Erie. It would be no difficulty 
matter to open a water communication between the Wa- 
bash and Illinois rivers, and thus furnish an outlet for the 
productions of this part of the state in every direction. 
Population about 9,500. 

It is attached to the fourth judicial circuit, and sends 
three members to the house of representatives, and, with 
Champaign, one to the senate. 

The seat of justice is Danville. 



WABASH COUNTY. 

Wabash County was formed from Edwards county, in 
1824, and is bounded north by Lawrence; east by the 
Wabash river; south it terminates in a point between 
the Bon Pas which divides it from Edwards county, and 
Wabash river; and west by Edwards county. 

It is eighteen miles long, and from ten to fifteen miles 
broad, with the eastern side irregularly curvated by the 
Wabash river. It has about ISO square miles. 

Wabash county is watered by the Wabash river on its 



OF ILLINOIS. 139 

eastern, and Bon Pas creek on its western border, and 
Crawfish, Jordan, and Coffee creeks, from its interior. 

It contains considerable g'ood land, both timber and 
prairie, and a full proportion of industrious and thriving 
farmers. This county sends one member to the house 
of representatives, and, with Edwards and Wayne, one 
to the senate. It belongs to the fourth judicial circuit. 

The seat of justice is Mount Carmel. 



WARREN COUNTY. 

Warren County was formed from Pike county, in 1825, 
but not organised till 1830. It contains extensive tracts 
of first rate land, and several fine settlements. It lies 
on the Mississippi, north of Hancock and McDonough, 
west of Knox, and south of Mercer. 

Its prominent stream is Henderson river and branches; 
Ellison, Honey, and Camp creeks are in Warren. The 
land on these streams is generally a little undulating, rich, 
and where timber exists, it is excellent. A number of 
good mill seats exist. 

Much of the bottom in this county that lies on the river 
is low, subject to inundation, and has a series of sand 
ridges back of it, with bold and pointed bluffs further in 
the rear. 

North of Henderson river is an extensive prairie, which 
divides it from Pope and Edwards rivers. 

Warren county is about thirty miles in extent, and 
contains about 900 square miles. It belongs to the fifth 
judicial circuit, and, with Knox and Henry counties, sends 
one member to each branch of the legislature. 

1'he seat of justice is Monmouth, 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Washington County was formed from St. Clair, in Ja- 
nuary, 1818, and is bounded north by Clinton; east by 



140 A GAZETTEER 

Jefferson; south by Perry, and a corner of Randolph, 
and west by St. Clair. It is thirty miles lon^ and from 
fifteen to twenty miles broad, containing about 656 square 
miles. 

The Kaskaskia river runs along the northwestern side 
for eighteen miles, Elkhorn creek waters its western, 
Beaucoup and Little Muddy its southeastern, and 
Crooked creek, and some smaller streams, its northern 
portions. Considerable prairie, especially the southern 
points of the Grand prairie, is found in this county, some 
of which is rather level and wet, and of an inferior qua- 
lity. A large body of timber lines the banks of the Kas- 
kaskia river. 

The produce of this county is pork, beef cattle, and 
other articles common to the adjacent parts. The timber 
is oak of various kinds, hickory, elm, ash, and the timber 
common to the Kaskaskia river. 

Washington county is attached to the second judicial cir- 
cuit, and sends two members to the house of representatives, 
and unites also with Perry in sending one to the senate. 

The county seat is Nashville. 



WAYNE COUNTY. 

Wayne County was formed from Edwards, in 1819, and 
is situated in the southeastern part of the state, and is 
bounded on the north by Clay; east by Edwards; south 
by Hamilton, and a corner of White; and west by Jefferson 
and Marion. 

It is thirty miles long, twenty-four miles wide, and con- 
tains 720 square miles. 

The Little Wabash passes through its eastern part, 
and Elm river and Skillet fork water the northern por- 
tions of the county. It is proportionably interspersed 
with prairie and woodland, generally of a second quali- 
ty. The productions of this county for exportation are 
beef, pork, cattle, and some peltry, which are sent down 
the Little Wabash in flat boats to New Orleans, or find a 
market over land to Shawneetown. 



OF ILLINOIS. 141 

Wayne county belongs to the fourth judicial circuit, 
and sends one mennber to the house of representatives, 
and, with Edwards and Wabash, one mennber to the 
senate. 

County seat Fairjield. 



WHITE COUNTY, 

White Couniy was organised from Gallatin county, in 
1815. It is situated in the south eastern side of the 
state. Its form is nearly square, about twenty-two 
miles in extent, — containing an area of nearly 480 square 
miles. 

It is bounded north by Wabash, Edwards, and Wayne 
counties; east by the Big Wabash river, south by Gal- 
latin, and west by Hamilton counties. 

The eastern side of this county is washed by the Big 
Wabash, along which is a low bottom, subject to inunda- 
tion; the interior is watered by the Little Wabash and 
its tributaries,. The banks of these streams are heavily 
timbered, among which are oaks of several species, 
hickory, walnut, hackberry, elm, ash, and poplar. Be- 
tween the streams are fine prairies most of which are cul- 
tivated; the principal of which are the Big, Burnt, and 
Seven Mile. 

The exports of White county are pork, beef, and 
beef cattle, corn, flour, venison hams, horses, and some 
tobacco. Horses and cattle are sent in droves to the south, 
and produce descends the river to New Orleans from 
this and the adjacent counties, in large quantities. 

There are three water mills in this county for flouring 
and sawing, which do good business. 

White county is attached to the fourth judicial circuit, 
has a population of between six and seven thousand in- 
habitants, and sends two members to the house of repre- 
sentatives, and one to the senate. 

The seat of justice is Carmi, 



142 A GAZETTEER 



WHITESIDE COUNTY. 

Whiteside County was formed from Jo Daviess in Jan- 
uary, 1836, and is bounded north by that county; east by 
Ogle; sonth by Henry and Putnam, and west by Rock 
Island county, and the Mississippi river. 

It is from 27 to 36 miles lon^, and about 24 miles wide 
— containing about 770 square miles. 

It is watered by Rock river, which passes diagonally 
through it, Little Rock, Marais d' Ogee lake and Swamp 
that divide it from Rock Island county. Cat-tail swamp, 
and several small streams. 

It has some tracts of heavy timber along Rock river 
and Little Rock, besides groves, copses, and brushy 
swamps. Some of its prairie land is flat, while other 
portions are beautifully undulating and rich. Its popula- 
tion is yet small, and in its judicial and representative con- 
nections, it is attached to Jo Daviess county. 



WILL COUNTY. 

Will County was formed from portions of Cook and 
Iroquois counties in January, 1836, rather irregularly 
shaped on its northern side, and is bounded north by Cook; 
east by the state of Indiana; south by Iroquois, and west 
by La Salle. 

It is from 30 to 24 miles from north to south, and from 
12 to 38 miles from west to east; and contains about 1228 
square miles. 

Its timber is in detached portions in groves and along 
the watercourses of the streams; — in some parts are large 
bodies; in other parts are extensive prairies. Much of 
Will county is excellent, first rale land. 

It is watered by the Kankakee and branches, the Des 
Plaines, Du Page, Hickory, Forked, Rock, Soldier, 
Hawkins and Dennis creeks, and some of the tributaries 



OF ILLINOIS. 143 

of ibe Calumet. The Illinois and Michigan Canal will 
pass along the Valley of the Des Plaines. 

Will county belongs to the seventh judicial circuit and 
is united with Cook county in its representation to the 
legislature. 

The seat of justice is Juliet, 



WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 

Winnebago County was formed from Jo Daviess and 
the attached portion of La Salle county in January, 1836, 
from which parts of Stephenson and Boone counties have 
since been detached. It is bounded north by Wisconsin 
territory, east by i^Boone, south by Ogle, and west by 
Stephenson. 

It is 24 miles long and 21 miles broad, having about 
504 square miles. Rock river passes through it from 
north to south; the Peekatonokee comes in on its western 
border and enters Rock river in township 46 north; Kish- 
waukee waters its southeastern part and enters Rock river 
in township 43 north, besides some smaller streams. There 
is much excellent land in Winnebago county; — the timber 
is in groves and detached portions, and the prairies undu- 
lating and abundantly rich. Rock river furnishes im- 
mense water power, especially at Rockford, and all the 
streams abound in good mill seats. The Polish emigrants 
receive their lands, granted by Congress, in this county. 

Winnebago county belongs to the sixth judicial circuit 
and is attached to Jo Daviess county in its represent- 
ation. 

Tlie county seat is not yet permanently located. 



NEW COUNTIES. 

Besides several new counties formed at the last session 
of the legislature, and which are placed in alphabetical 
order, provision was made by law for the formation of the 



144 A GAZETTEER 

following counties on condition that a majority of the 
voters in the counties from which they were detached, at 
an election provided to be held subsequently, should de- 
cide in favour of such organisation. 

Coffee County to be formed chiefly from Putnam with 
two townships from Knox, and one from Henry county, 
and will be bounded on the north by Putnam and Henry; 
east by Putnam; south by Peoria, and west by Knox and 
Henry; being 18 miles square, and containing 324 square 
miles. 

It is watered by Spoon river and its branches, and con- 
tains excellent land — valuable timber on the large streams 
and in groves, and rich, undulating prairies. Much of the 
county will admit of a dense population. 

De Kalb Counfy^ to be formed from the western part of 
Kane county, will be bounded north by Boone; east by 
Kane; south by La Salle, and west by Ogle county. It 
will be 36 miles long, and 18 broad, containing 648 square 
miles. It is watered by the south branches of the Kish- 
waukee, Wabonsic, Morgan and Blackberry creeks, and 
some smaller streams. 

The timber resembles that of the adjacent counties, and 
is in groves, and scattered portions of oak openings. The 
surface generally is undulating, and the soil rich. 

Michigan County., to be formed from the western part of 
Cook county, will be bounded north by McHenry; east by 
Cook; south by Will, and west by Kane county. It will 
be 30 miles long, and 24 miles broad, with an additional 
township at its southeastern corner. Fox river and its 
branches will water its western and northwestern portions, 
the heads of the Du Page its southwestern, Des Plaines 
will run through its southeastern corner, and Salt creek 
and Flag creek its eastern side. 

The southern portion of this county is a superior region 
with some large groves of timber and rich, undulating 
prairie. Along Fox river are cedar cliffs, and in the 
northeastern and middle portions are extensive prairies. 



PART THIRD; 



CONTAINING A PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION 

OF EACH TOWN, SETTLEMENT, STREAM, PRAIRIE, 

BOTTOM, BLUFF, &c. 

ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED. 



Apakeesheek Grove, in La Salle county, lies three miles 
north of Holderman's grove. 

Adams''s Fork, a branch of the Skillet fork of the Little 
Wabash. It rises in the prairies of Marion county, pass- 
es southeast, across the corner of Jefferson, and enters 
the Skillet fork in Wayne. The land is well timbered 
and of a good quality. 

Alabama Settlement, in the northeastern part of Union 
county, of about thirty families. The timber, chiefly 
white oak, with a thin soil. 

Albion, the seat of justice for Edwards county, situa- 
ted in section two, of township two south, in range ten, 
east of the third principal meridian. It was laid out by 
Messrs. Birbeck and Flowers, in 1819, and settled prin- 
cipally by English emigrants. The situation is high and 
healthy. It contains three stores, three houses of enter- 
tainment, an ox flouring mill, a cotton gin, and thirty or 
forty families. The court house is of brick, forty-four 
feet square, two stories, and finished. Albion is forty 
miles southwest of Vincennes. 
13 



146 A GAZETTEER 

Men's Prairie and Settlement, in Greene county, 
twelve miles northeasterly from Carrollton. The land 
is ^ood, the prairie large, with good timber on the water 
courses. 

AUisoii's Prairie, (sometimes improperly spelt Ellison) 
in Lawrence county, five miles northeast from Lavvrenoe- 
ville. It is ten miles long, and five broad. The eastern 
part towards the Wabash, contains some wet land and 
purgatory swamps, but the principal partis a dry, sandy, 
and very rich soil, covered with well cultivated farms. 
Few tracts in Illinois are better adapted to corn than 
this. The population equals 200 families. This prairie 
was settled in 1816 and '17, by emigrarits from Ohio and 
Kentucky, and mostly of the religions sect known in the 
west by the name of Christians, and the settlement is 
sometimes called by that name. In a few years death 
had thinned their numbers. Tlie purgatory swamps, as 
they are called, around the prairie, had a deleterious in- 
fluence, and retarded the progress of population. In later 
years but little sickness has existed, and this settlement 
furnishes one of many evidences that upon ihe subjuga- 
tion of the luxuriant vegetation with which our rich prai- 
ries are clothed, and the cultivation of the soil, sickly 
places will be changed to healthy ones. 

Alton^ an incorporated town on the bank of the Missis- 
sippi, is thought by many to possess advantages for com- 
merce equal to any in the st^te. It is situated on frac- 
tional sections thirteen and fourteen, in township five 
north, in range ten west of the third principal meridian. 

It is two and a half miles above the mouth of the Mis- 
souri, and at the place where the curve of the Mississip- 
pi penetrates the furthest into Illinois, eighteen miles 
below the mouth of the Illinois river, and at the point 
where the commerce and business of the wide spread re- 
gions of the northeast, north, and northwest must arrive. 

The legislature of Illinois have memorialised congress 
repeatedly to have the great national road, now construct- 
ing through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, cross the Missis- 
sippi at this place, and sanguine hopes are entertained 



OF ILLINOIS. 147 

that the rights of Illinois in this particular will be duly 
regarded. 

Lower Alton has the best landing for steamboats on 
the east bank of the Mississippi, having a rock of level 
surface, of suitable height, forming a natural wharf. 
The state penitentiary has been established here, and 
many are sanguine that it will be the future seat of go- 
vernment. 

One of ihe finest bodies of timber in the state surrounds 
it for several miles in extent, from which vast quantities 
of lumber may be produced. Bituminous coal exists in 
great abundance but a short distance from the town. In- 
exhaustible beds of limestone for building purposes, and 
easily quarried, are within its precincts. A species of 
free stone, easily dressed and used for monuments and 
architectural purposes, and that peculiar species of lime, 
used for water cement, are found in great abundance in 
the vicinity. 

The corporate bounds extend two miles along the river, 
and half a mile back. The town plat is laid out by the 
proprietors upon a liberal scale. 

There are five squares reserved for public purposes, a 
large reservation is made on the river for apiiblic landing 
and promenade. Market street is 150 feet wide, other 
streets are one hundred, eighty, and sixty feet, according 
to the situation and public accommodation. 

Alton, contained at the commencement of 1837, 20 
wholesale and 32 retail stores and groceries, 8 attorneys, 
7 physicians, 7 clergymen devoted to their calling, (be- 
sides several preachers of the gospel, who follow secular 
business during the week,) 4 hotels, 2 of which have 
large accommodations, a large steam flouring mill, four 
large slaughtering and packing houses for putting up 
pork, which do a large business, and mechanics' shops of 
various descriptions. 

There are three printing offices which issue weekly 
papers, the Spectator, Telegraph and Observer; besides 
the Illinois Temperance Herald issued monthly. There 
is a large temperance society, that holds monthly meet- 



148 A GAZETTEER 

ing^s; a lyceum that holds weekly meetings, and two 
schools. 

The public buildings are four houses for public wor- 
ship, and two others expected to be erected soon. The 
Baptist church has a large stone edifice, with a handsome 
spire, bell, clock and organ. The basement furnishes 
three store rooms in front for rent, and a Sunday school 
room, and a committee room in the rear. The Presbyte- 
rian church has a moderate sized stone edifice with a cu- 
pola and bell, and a basement Sunday school room. The 
Methodist Episcopal church has a neat framed edifice 
with a stone basement and a cupola. The Methodist Pro- 
testant church has a small stone building. The Protestant 
Episcopal church, the Unitarian church, and the German 
Evangelical church, each meet in private rooms prepared 
for the purpose. 

Among the public institutions are a bank, (a branch of 
the state bank of Illinois,) an insurance office, a Masonic 
lodge of independent odd fellows, a lyceum and a mechan- 
ics' association. 

Depositories of the Illinois Bible, Sunday school, Tract, 
and Temperance societies are kept in this town for the 
supply of the state, and a spacious edifice, four stories 
high, with a front of hewn stone, is about to be erected 
by the citizens, by subscription, for which purpose two 
liberal and wealthy gentlemen have given a lot of the 
value of more than 5000 dollars. A large proportion of 
the funds for the erection of the building has been secured. 

In no western town of the size, population, and busi- 
ness, has an equal amount been given by its citizens for 
religious and benevolent purposes within the last two 
years. 

The state penitentiary is located in Alton. It has the 
warden's house, guard house, twenty-four cells, and the 
exterior wall around the yard erected. 

The rapidity with which Alton has grown up from a bu- 
siness state to its present prosperous condition has been 
hardly equalled in the enterprising West. Mercantile bu- 
siness was commenced here in 1831. Its facilities are 



OF ILLINOIS. 149 

now great. Real estate has risen here more than 1000 
per cent, within two years. 

The prices of lots depend upon their location. The 
best stands for business near the river sell from 300 to 
400 dollars per foot front. Lots more retired, for pri- 
vate residences, from 100 to 50 and 25 dollars per foot. 
Stores rent from 1500 to 400, and dwelling houses from 
600 to 200 dollars. Some of the large wholesale stores 
do business from 250,000 to half a million of dollars an- 
nually. 

Seven or eight steamboats are owned here in wliole 
or in part, and arrivals and departures occur every day 
and at all times in the day during the season. Alton 
now commands a large proportion of the trade of the 
Upper Mississip|)i and Illinois rivers, and of the interior 
country for one hundred miles. Besides the public rail- 
roads that concentrate here, noticed imder the head of 
" Internal Improvement," a survey has been made and 
the stuck taken for one from Alton to Spritigfield, 72 miles, 
which will open an important line of communication with 
the interior, and eventually become connected with the 
great line to the Atlantic cities. 

The natural surface of much of the town site of Alton 
is broken by bluiTs and ravines, but the enterprise of its 
citizens and the corporation is fast removing these in- 
conveniences by grading down its hills and filling up its 
ravines. A contract of 60,000 dollars has recently been 
entered upon to construct a culvert over the little Piasau 
creek that passes through the centre of the town, over 
which will soon be built one of the most capacious and 
pleasant streets. Since its settlement the citizens of 
Alton have enjoyed as good health, as those in any river 
town in the West. Its population is about 2500. 

We close this article with the following extract from 
Beck's Gazetteer of Illinois and Missouri, written in 1821. 

" Alton, although yet small, possesses natural advan- 
tages rarely equalled. Situated as it is, at the junction 
of three large and navigable rivers; possessing a fine, 
commodious harbor, and landing for boats at all seasons 

13* 



150 A GAZETTEER 

of the year; surrounded by a fertile country, rapidly set- 
tling, it bids fair to become a populous, wealthy, and 
commercial town." 

Aikiri's Grove, in Ogle county, lies five miles southeast 
of Oregon city, and east of Rock river, on the road from 
Dixonville to Princeton and Peoria. Here are three or 
four small groves, and thirty families. 

America, the former county seat of Alexander county, 
situated on the west bank of the Ohio, on the first high 
land, and twelve miles above its mouth. The landing at 
this place is much injured by a sand bar. 

.dppanooce, a town site and post office on the Mississippi, 
in Hancock county, ten miles above Commerce, and 
eighteen miles northwest from Carthage. 

Apple Creek post office. {See PVaverlei/.) 

Apple Creek Prairie, in Greene county, lies north of 
Apple creek, to the left of the road from Carrollton to 
Jacksonville. It is ten miles long, and from two to four 
miles wide, of good quality, and spread over with large 
farms, and populous settlements. 

Apple River, in Jo Daviess county, rises near the bound- 
ary line, where its branches interlock with the waters of 
the Pee-ka-ton-o-kee, runs a southwestern course about 
forty-five miles, and enters the Mississippi twenty miles 
below Galena. It is a rocky and rapid stream, with good 
mill seats, and fifty yards wide at its mouth. The bot- 
toms are excellent land. The uplands hilly ani, broken. 
Larti-e bodies of timber are on its banks. Towards its 
heads is a fine undulating country. 

Apple Creek rises near the borders of Sangamon county, 
runs a southwestern course through the southeastern 
part of Morgan into Greene county, and e'.iters the Illinois 
river in section thirty-six, fractional township eleven north, 
fourteen west. It has several tributaries, which are noticed 
under their respective names, and which water a valuable 
tract of country, with a large population. 

Arm of the Grand Prairie, in Jefferson county, lies eight 
miles northwest from Mount Vernon. The soil is toler- 
ably good, and the settlement contains about fifty families. 



OF ILLINOIS. 151 

Armstrong Post Office is in Wabash county, seven miles 
above Mount Carmel. 

Arrow smith's Settlement \s towards the east side of Mer- 
cer county. 

Ashmore''s Settlement^ in Coles county, fifteen miles 
north of Charleston, and on the east side of the Embarras. 
Timber and prairie good. 

Ashton^ a post office and town site in Adams county, 
nine miles south of Quincy. 

Athens, a village in Sangamon county, on the east side, 
and four miles from the Sangamon river, and fifteen miles 
norih from Springfield. It has several stores, one steam 
mill for sawing and flouring, and about seventy-five fami- 
lies. It has timber of the Sangamon on the west, and the 
prairies east, with a large settlement around. 

Athens, a town site on the left bank of the Kaskaskia 
river, in St. Clair county, known as HilVs Ferry. 

Athertonh Settlement, in Alexander county, two miles 
east from Unity, containing about one-hundred families. 
The upland tolerably good. 

Atlas, a small town in Pike county, situated on the north- 
west quarter of section twenty-seven, township six south, 
range five west. It is on a handsome tract of ground, 
under the bluiTs, half a mile from Snycartee Slough, which 
is navigable for steamboats to this place, in high water. 

Aubuchon, a passage from the Mississippi to the Kas- 
kaskia river, about four miles above the town of Kaskas- 
kia. 

Augusta, a town site and post office in Hancock county, 
on southwest section twenty-three, township three north, 
range five west, sixteen miles southwest from Carthage. 

It has several families, and a respectable school. 

Augusta, a town site on the west bank of the Illinois 
river, in Pike county, ten miles east of Pittsfield, and 
twenty-two miles from .Jacksonville. It is opposite the 
termination of the Jacksonville, Ly nnville and Winchester 
railroad, which is now under contract. Another company 
has been chartered to extend this line from Augusta, by 
Pittsfield and Atlas to Louisiana, Mo., from whence 



152 A GAZETTEER 

another line of railroad has been projected and a charter 
granted by the legislature of Missouri, across to Colum- 
bia and the Missouri river. 

Auburn^ a town site, in Sangamon county, on the north 
side of Sugar creek, on the stage road, and contemplated 
railroad route from Alton to Springfield, It has two stores, 
one grocery, one tavern, and ten or twelve families, sur- 
rounded with a beautiful prairie. 

Jiu Sable, [Fr. snndy -^gravelly,'] a small stream in the 
eastern part of La Salle county. It rises near the west 
fork of Du Page, runs south mostly through prairie, and 
enters the Illinois three miles below the junction of the 
Des Plaines, and Kankakee. 

Jlu Sahle Grove is in the northeastern part of La Salle 
county, at the heads of the Au Sable creek. Here is a 
fine body of timber surrounded with an extensive and rich 
prairie. 

Avlston, a town site and post office, in Clinton county, 
on the Vinceunes and St, Louis stage road, with a dozen 
houses. 

Bachelder^s Grove, in Cook county, eighteen miles south- 
west of Chicago, contains about two sections of timber, 
and a large settlement. 

Budgley''s Settlement, in St. Clair county, five n>iles 
northwesterly from Belleville, one of the oldest American 
settlements in the county. 

Bailet/'s Point, a branch of the Vermilion, and a set- 
tlement in La Salle county, fourteen miles southwest 
from Ottawa. Here is a small tract of excellent timber, 
surrounded with the choicest prairie. The settlement 
contains about twenty families. 

Baker^s Grove, in Ogle county, lies bordering on Rock 
river, between Grand Detour and Oregon city. It is eight 
miles long and three miles wide; timber good and land 
excellent. 

Bankstone*s Fork, in Gallatin county, rises in the in- 
terior, runs a southeastern course, and enters the South 
Fork of Saline creek, fourteen miles above Equality. 



OF ILLINOIS. 153 

It has a fine country on its borders, and a large settle- 
ment. 

Banning's Settlement, in Shelby county, near the Kas- 
kaskia river, twelve miles south of Shelby ville. The land 
is good, and plenty of timber and prairie. 

The bottom on the opposite side of the river is over- 
flowed in hiorh water. 

Barmifs Prairie, in Wabash county, seven miles north 
of Mount Carmel, is a good tract of land well cultivated, 
Barbee's Settlement, seven miles northwest of Palestine, 
in Crawford county, with timber and prairie. 

Bartletfs Settlement, in the southwestern part of 
McDonough county, on Crooked creek, fifteen miles from 
Macomb. The land is good, and the settlement exten- 
sive. 

Bath, a post office and settlement on the south side of 
Cass county, on the road from Jacksonville to Beards- 
town. 

Batcheldorsville post office is on the east side of Coles 
county, seven miles from Charleston. 

Bay Creek rises in the prairies towards the eastern part 
of Pike county, and running westward enters Calhoun 
county, and forms a kind of bay at its mouth, which is 
navigable for some miles. 

The land on its borders is generally good, except about 
the bluffs, where it is broken. 

Beardstown, the seat of justice for Cass county, is situ- 
ated on the Illinois river, twenty-five miles northeast 
from Jacksonville, on fractional township eighteen north, 
and twelve west. It is on elevated ground, sandy soil, 
and entirely above the highest floods. It has thirteen 
stores, four of which do commission and forwarding 
business, three groceries, two druggists, four physicians, 
one large hotel, and several boarding houses, two bakeries, 
two shoemakers, three tailors, two blacksmiths, two cabi- 
net makers, one silversmith, one watchmaker, four car- 
penters and housejoiners, three cooper shops, one painter 
and glazier, two tinners, two brick and one stone niasons, 
one "carriage maker, two steam flouring mills, with six 



154 A GAZETTEER 

pairs of stones, one steam sawmill, one steam distillery, 
and a larj^e brewer5% one lawyer, one minister of the gos- 
pel, and about 1,000 inhabitants. There is a Methodist 
and an Episcopalian congregation, but no house of wor- 
ship. 

Canalprnjed. A company has been chartered and sur- 
veys made preparatory to the construction of a canal from 
this place to Sangamon river, at Huron, and from thence 
to improve the river by slack water navigation to the head 
And it has been ascertained that a water communication 
may be opened at moderate expense across the state to 
the Vermilion of the Wabash. The construction of that 
portion of the canal from Beardstown to the Sangamon 
river can be easily effected. 

Bear Creeh, a small branch of the Macoupin, twelve 
miles west from Carlinville. 

Bear Creek heads in String prairie, and enters Apple 
creek, in Greene county. A considerable settlement is 
on its borders. 

Bear Creek^ a small stream and branch of the middle 
fork of Shoal creek, and a settlement in Montgomery 
county. The land is rather level, and inclined to be wet, 
but fertile. 

Bear Creek^ a small stream in the southeastern part 
of Sangamon county, with a considerable settlement. It 
enters the South Fork of Sangamon from the south side. 

Bear Creek, a small stream that rises in the north part 
of Gallatin county, runs south, and enters the North Fork 
of Saline creek, ten miles above Equality. Here is much 
good land, and a large settlement. 

Bear Creek, is a fine stream in Adams county, with two 
principal forks. South Fork rises in one north, six west. 
North Fork rises in five north, seven west, in Hancock 
county, and interlocks with the western branch of Crooked 
creek. They unite in section thirteen, two north, eight 
west. After passing through the bluff's into the Missis- 
sippi bottom, this stream divides into two prongs; one 
runs a northwest course and enters the Mississip[»i — the 
other prong bears a little south of west, receiving several 



OF ILLINOIS. 155 

fiinall streams, and enters Boston Bay, one mile above 
Qiiincy. 

This stream is about forty yards wide at its separation, 
and has a number of mill seats. Few bodies of land in 
the state equal that which lines its banks. 

Large settlements extend along its timber. 

Bear Prairie is a small tract in Wayne county, five 
miles east of Fairfield, with twenty families. 

Beaucoup is a large settlement on Beaucoup creek, in 
"Washington county, south of New Nashville. The land 
is a mixture of timber and prairie, and good second rate 
soil. 

Beaucoup ScWement is in Jackson county, twelve miles 
northeast from Brownsville, between the Big Beaucoup 
creek and Big Muddy river. The land is rich, heavily 
timbered, with a considerable settlement. 

Beaver Creeks called also Stinking creek, rises in Bond 
county, runs south into Clinton county, crosses the Vin- 
cennes and St. Louis road, four miles west of Carlyle, 
and empties into Shoal creek, in the northeastern part of 
township one north, four west. It is about twenty-five 
miles in length, is a sluggish, muddy stream, and waters 
a fine tract of country. 

The settlement extends its whole length. 

Beaver Creek rises in Boone county, runs southwest 
and enters Kishwaukee, twelve miles above its mouth. 
It is sparsely timbered with walnut, linden, oaks of va- 
rious species, and oak openings. Soil, sand and clay; 
prairies, rolling; fine springs. 

Beaver Creek, a branch of Iroquois river in Iroquois 
county. 

Beck'' s CreekhezAs in the western part of Shelby county, 
runs southeast, and enters the Kaskaskia in the northern 
part of Fayette, eighteen miles above Vandalia. It is a 
mill stream, has much good land on its banks, and 
rolling prairie adjoining. 

The timber is oak of various kinds, walnut, locust, cof- 
fee nut, cherry, elm, etc. 

Begg's Settlement, in the southeast part of Union coun- 



156 A GAZETTEER 

ty, on the waters of Cash river. It is a fine, undulating, 
timbered region, and contains about 120 families. 

Belief ountaine^ a large spring and settlement in Monroe 
county, near Waterloo. In the vicinity of this place, 
several attacks were made by the Indians, forty years 
since; some of the inhabitants were killed and others 
taken prisoners. 

Belleville^ the seat of justice for St. Clair county, is 
situated on sections twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty- 
seven, and twenty-eight, of township one north, in range 
eight west of the third principal meridian. It is a neat 
flourisliing village, on high ground, six miles from the 
American bottom, and thirteen miles east southeast from 
St. Louis. The public buildings are a handsome court 
house of brick, finished in a superior style, a brick jail, 
a clerk's office, a public hall belonging to a library com- 
pany, and a framed Methodist house of worship. It has 
two select schools; one for boarders half a mile distant. 

There are two largre merchant steam flouringr mills, with 
six pairs of stones, a brewery, a steam distillery, a wool 
carding machine, eight carpenters, one cabinet maker, 
five blacksmith's shops, one tinner's shop, two silver- 
smiths, three wagon makers, one turner and wheel- 
wrigiit, two shoemakers' shops, one millwright, two coop- 
ers, two saddlers, two tailors, one bakery, one high 
school, one common school, a Presbyterian, Baptist and a 
Methodist congregation, and about 700 inhabitants, of 
vvliich about 100 are Germans, twenty French, and the 
residue Americans. There are three lawyers, four phy- 
sicians, and four resident ministers of the gospel. 

It is surrounded with a rich and extensive agricultural 
settlement, and a fine body of timber. Belleville contains 
a printing office, which issues the " St. Clair Gazetie^^ 
and is a place of considerable business. 

Bdleview Prairie^ is a rich, dry, prairie, at the foot of 
the bluffs, in Calhoun county. It is six miles long, and 
three fourths of a mile wide, with a gradual descent from 
the bluffs. Belleview post office, is in this settlement, 
which contains about forty families. 



OF ILLINOIS. 157 

Belvldere^ a village of a dozen families, two stores, 
a post office, saw and grist mill, and rapidly increasing, 
in the western part of Boone county on the stage road from 
Chicago to Galena. It is situated on Squaw prairie, and 
has a delightful appearance. Near the town site is a 
mound, fifty rods long and about thirty rods wide, ele- 
vated seventy feet above the bottom lands of Rock river. 
On the top of this mound is the cemetery of an Indian 
called Big Thunder. He died about the period of the 
Sauk war in 1831 or '32, and was placed in a sitting pos- 
ture on a flag mat, wrapped in blankets, his scalping 
knife by his side to cut the plugs of tobacco that are offer- 
ed him. Over the body is constructed a covering of 
wood and earth, with an opening in front, where Big 
Thunder may be seen sitting with his tobacco lying 
before him. The Indians still visit the place to replenish 
his stores of tobacco, whiskey, &c. 

The citizens of this region are about to erect a College 
edifice on this spot, in a vault under which the bones of 
Big Thunder will repose unmolested. A charter was 
granted for the purpose ut the recent session of the legis- 
fature. The Rev. S. S. Whitman, formerly Professor in 
the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution, New 
York, is engaged in the enterprise. 

Btmaii's Mill and settlement on Apple creek, in Greene 
county, seven miles northwest from Carrollton. 

Bennington^ a post office in the western part of Fulton 
county. 

Berlin^ a town site and post office, in Sangamon county, 
on the west side of Island Grove, seventeen miles west 
from Springfield, on the main road to Jacksonville. 

Bernudotte^ a town on Spoon river, in Fulton county, 
on section nineteen, five north, two west, 12 miles south- 
west from Lewistown. It has one sawmill, one flouring 
mill with three runs of stones, three stores, two groceries, 
one tavern, and a common school. 

Spoon river can easily be made navigable to this place. 

Berrj/s Settlement is in the forks of Crooked creek, in 
Clinton county, eight miles southeasterly from Cariyle. 
14 



158 A GAZETTEER 

BefhcU a populous settlement in St. Clair county, ten 
miles nortli of Belleville. Here is a Baptist meeting 
house and conorregation, and a moral, religious society of 
industrious farmers. 

Beihavy^ a post office and settlement, in Sangamon 
county, twenty-one miles southeast from Springfield, on 
the road to Shelhyville. 

Bi^ Barren Grove is in the western part of Putnam 
and eastern part of Henry county, 25 miles long, and 
from 2 to 3 miles wide; and forms the dividing ridge be- 
tween the waters of Spoon river and the Winnebago 
Swamp. The timber is scattering, resembling barrens, 
with various kinds of oaks, hickory, &c. The west end is 
called Black Oak Ridge where a colony from Welhersfield, 
Con., is settled. 

Big Bay Creeks a small stream that rises in the north 
eastern part of Johnson county. It takes a southeastern 
direction, receiving Cedar creek in that county, and Little 
Bay creek in Pope county, and enters the Ohio about six 
miles below Golconda. Its bottoms are wide, and the 
bluffs rather broken; and towards the Ohio the bottom land 
produces large quantities of cyj)ress with other growth. 

Big Bottom is a settlement in the northwest corner of 
Alexander county, on Clear creek. The soil is first rate 
alluvion. 

Big Bcaucoup CreeJe, one of the four heads of Big Mud- 
dy river. It rises in the southeastern part of Washing- 
ton county, township three south, in range two west, runs 
a south course through Perry county and enters the Big 
Muddy in section thirty-five, eight south, two west, eight 
miles above Brownsville. It has much good land on its 
borders, some excellent prairies, and fine timber, consist- 
ing of oak, hickory, ash, poplar, elm, walnut, etc. The 
bottom land is rather wet. Big Beaucoup is navigable for 
flat boats. 

Big Creek, in Pope county, rises in the northern part of 
the county, runs south, and enters the Ohio, fifteen miles 
above Golconda. 



OF ILLINOIS. 159 

Big Creek, in Crawford county, a small stream that enters 
the Emharras in the southwestern part of the county. 

Big Creek is a small stream that rises on the Grand 
Prairie, in Edgar county, runs a southeast direction, 
passes through a corner of Clark, and enters the Wabash 
near the point at which the dividing line of the two states 
leaves that river. The land through which it passes is 
good, well timbered, and densely settled with a farming 
population. 

Big Creek, in Effingham county, a branch of the Little 
Wabash, running a southeast course through Brockett's 
settlement to that river. 

Big Creek, in Macon county, a branch of the North 
Fork of Sanoramon. It is formed from Lonor creek, and 
Find ley's fork. 

Big Creek, a stream in Fayette county, which rises in 
the Grand prairie, northeast from Vandalia, crosses the 
national road twelve miles east of that place, runs south- 
west, and enters the Kaskaskia in the lower part of the 
county. 

Big Creek, in the western part of Crawford county, runs 
south and enters the Enibarras. 

Big Creek, in Fulton county, a small stream that rises 
near Canton, runs southwest, and enters Spoon river one 
mile above the ro.id from Rushville to Levi'istown. A con- 
siderable settlement and good land towards its head. 

Big Grove, in Cliampaign county, is on a branch of the 
Salt Fork of the Vermilion river, and is about the centre 
of the county. It is a body of heavy timbered, rich land, 
twelve miles lonor, and of an avprajre of three miles in 
width. The country around is most delightful, the prairie 
is elevated, dry, and of a very rich soil, ihe water is good, 
and the country very healthy. Tiie population at Big 
Grove must now exceed 200 tamilies. 

Big Grove, in Kane county, is on the South Fork of the 
Kishwaukee. The surface around undulating, and the 
soil a black sandy loam. 

Stratified limestone, flint, pebbles and coal abound iu 
this resfion. 



160 A GAZETTEER 

Big Grove, in La Salle county, twenty miles northeast 
from Ottawa, is about three miles in diameier. The land 
in the timber is wet, but the surrounding- prairie is dry, 
undulatiricr and rich. 

Big Grove, a limbered tract, or rather Sfveral or )ves, 
coimc^cted. for twelve miles in lengrth, in the southwest- 
ern part of McLean county, on the third principal n.eridi- 
an, and township twenty-one north. It is a fine tract of 
country, rich in soil and well timbered, on the Kickapoo 
creek. Blooming-ton, the county seat, is eiohteen miles 
from the heart of the settlement, which contains from one 
hundred and fifty to two hundred families. 

Big Grove, a beautiful, high, undulating, and rich tract 
of timber, near some of the lieads of Spoon river, in Henry 
cou' ty. It is twelve or fifteen miles long, arid about three 
miles wide, surrounded with extensive and rather level 
prairies. 

Big Mound Prairie, in Wayne county, is five miles west 
from Fairfield, three miles in extent, undulating surface, 
thin soil, and has about fifty families. 

A large mound gives the name to this prairie. 

Big Muddy river, (called by the French who discover- 
ed it, Riviere au Vase, or Vaseux) a considerable stream 
in the southwestern part of the stale. 

It has four principal heads, which, rising in Washincr- 
ton, Jefferson, and Hamilton counties, and uniting- in Jack- 
son county, form the main stream. 

They are the Beauconp, Little Muddy, and Middle 
Fcrk. The genera! course of the stream is southwest, 
and it is navigable some distance above Brownsville. Be- 
low Brownsville it turns south to the county line, makes 
a short bend, and enters the Mississippi near the north- 
eastern corner of township eleven south, in range four west 
of the third principal meridian. 

Its bluffs generally are abrupt, the land along its borders 
and branches is unriulating, and for mostof its length well 
timbered. Valuable salim s exist on its banks, and are 
worked about i!rownsville, where there is an inexhausti- 
ble bed of bituminous coal. Native copper has been found 



OF ILLINOIS. 161 

on its banks in detached masses. It runs through a fine 
agricultural and grazing country. 

Big Neck is a settlement in one south, six west, at the 
head of the South Fork of Bear creek, in Adams county: 
a tract of good land. 

Big Prairie^ in White county, between the Little and 
Big Wabash, about three miles in diameter, and nearly 
all in a state of cultivation. The soil is sandy, but of 
great fertility. 

Big Rock Creek, is a branch of Fox river in Kane 
county. 

Big Woods, a large tract of timbered land, lying on the 
east side of Fox river, in Kane county, and provided the 
surveys were run it would lie mostly in townships .38 and 
SI) N., range 8 east. It is about 10 miles in length and 
from 4 to 5 miles in width. The timber consists chiefly 
of white, black, yellow, and bur oaks, sugar maple, lin- 
den, black and white walnut or butternut, hickory, ash of 
various species, poplar, ironwood, elm, cherry, etc. The 
soil is generally a dark sandy loam; sometimes approach- 
es to clay, generally a little undulating, but in some places 
quite level and a little wet. The Big Woods are thickly 
settled on all sides, as is the prairie country adjoining. 

Bethel a post otfice and town site with a dozen families 
in Morgan county, 12 miles west of Jacksonville. 

Bethesda, a post otfice in Coles county, 8 miles west of 
Charleston. 

Birch Creek, is a small stream that rises in Morgan 
county, aufl enters Apple creek in Greene county. The 
settlement contains about tweuty-five families. 

Blackberry Creek, in Kane county, rises in the central 
part of the county, runs south and enters Fox river near 
the south line of the county. Groves of timber, barrens, 
and rich undulating prairie along its course. 

Black Creek is an insignificant stream, in Pike county, 
that enters the Snycartee. 

Black Partridge Creek, a post office, and a small stream 
in the upper part of Tazewell county, that enters the Illi- 
nois river. 

14* 



162 A GAZETTEER 

BloomJicM, a town and post office in Edgar county, 10 
miles north of" Paris, with three stores, two groceries, one 
tavern, one physician, various mechanics, and about 20 
families. 

Blooming Grave, a tract oftimbered land and a large set- 
tlement, in McLeiin county, adjoining Bloomington. It 
is about six miles long from northwest to southeast, and 
varying iti width from one to four miles, containing about 
twelve square miles of beautiful timber, with a large set- 
tlement of industrious farmers around it. Nearly all the 
land is already occupied with settlers, a majority of whom 
are from Ohio. Both timbered land and prairie are first 
rate. 

Bloomingdale is the locality of a colony in Tazewell 
county. 

Bloomington, is the seat of justice for McLean county and 
is beautifully situated on the margin of a fine prairie and 
north side of Blooming-Grove, on section four, township 
twenty north, range two east. It lias eight or ten stores, 
three groceries, two taverns, two lawyers, three physicians, 
a handsome academy building, various mechanics, two 
steam mills for sawing, a Presbyterian and a Methodist 
meeting house, and ministers, atid about 700 population. 
1 he surrounding country is most delightful. 

Block House, a name given to an American settlement 
formed about forty years since, in the American bottom, 
in the southwestern part of St. (ylair county. At the 
foot of the bluffs, near this, is a spring that regularly ebbs 
and flows, once in twenty-foui hours. 

Blue Creek, in the upper part of Tazewell county, rises 
in the prairie, runs west, and enters the Illinois below 
Spring bay. 

Blaffdale, a settlement in Greene county, ten miles west 
of Carrollton, and under the bluffs that overhang the Illi- 
nois bottom. The land is rich, dry, and beautifully situ- 
ated for six miles in extent, under overhanging bluffs and 
precipices from which springs of "crystal waters" gusli 
forth. The settlement is generally arranged along the 
bluffs fron:i Apple creek to the Macoupin, from three to 



OF ILLINOIS. 163 

four miles from the Illinois river, and consists of fifty or 
sixty families. The selilementof Bliiffdale has two stores, 
one trrocery, one tavern, one minister of the gospel, and a 
Baptist concrregation, one post oflice, one school, and vari- 
ous mechanics. 

Blue Pointy a point of timber projecting into the prairie, 
in Effingham county, five miles north west of F]vvinartoii. 

Blue River. There are tv.'o siTiall streams of this name 
in Pike county distinguished as J?/j§- and Litfte Blue. They 
rise in the middle of the coimty, run a southeast course 
and enter the Illinois, in three south, two west, about six 
miles apart. The land through which they pass is fertile. 

Bulive, a town site in the forks of Sangamon river, ten 
miles southeast from Springfield, surrounded with a large 
and flourishing settlement. 

Boltinghnnse Prairie., lies south of Albion, in Edwards 
county. It is about four miles long and three broad, dry, 
undulating surface, and good soil. 

Bon Pas {Bumpau,) a small village near the creek of 
the same name in the nortlieast part of White county. 
. Bon Pas, a creek that divides Wabash and Edwards 
counties. It rises near the Vincennes road, fifteen miles 
west of Lawrenceville, and taking a southeasterly course, 
enters the Wabash river in section fourteen, township 
three south, range fourteen west of the second principal 
meridian, at the corner of Wabash and White counties. 
Its banks are low and swan>[)y. 

Bon Pas Prairie, tour miles northeast from Albion, in 
Edwards county, and about two miles in diameter. It con- 
tains good land, and a settlement. 

Bon Pas Settlement, near the southeast corner of Ed- 
wards county, between the Bon Fas creek and Little Wa- 
bash river. It is a timbered tract, good land, and contains 
about sixty families. 

Boston Bay is an arm of the Mississippi, above Quincy 
in Adams county, which, at a tolerable stage of water, fur- 
nishes a fine harbor for boats. 

Boston, a town site in Canaan settlement, Shelby county 



164 A GAZETTEER 

twelve miles north of Shelbyville, township thirteen 
north, four east, on tlie west fork of the Kaskaskia. 

Bostwick's Settlement, is three miles northeast from 
Hillsboro' in Montgomery county, a dry, rolling, fertile, 
prairie. 

Bottom Settlement, commences in the northwestern part 
of Union county, and extends down the Mississippi- This 
bottom is timbered, and is from three to four miles wide 
but part of it is wet and inundated. 

The settlement lies chiefly along the bank of the 
river. 

Bottom Settlement, in Alexander county; lies along the 
Mississippi, on rich alluvial land, heavily timbered, and 
contains sixty or seventy families. 

Bradley''s Settlement is at the head of Kincaid creek, 
in the north part of Jackson county. It is a timbered re- 
gion, tolerable land, and has twenty-five or thirty fami- 
lies. 

Brattleville, a post office, in Carter's settlement, in Mc- 
Donough county, twelve miles south of Macomb, and on 
the mail road to Rushviile. 

Bridfre's Settlement, in Johnson county, ten miles west 
from Vienna, contains some tolerably good land. Popu- 
lation about sixty families. 

Brighton, a town site and post office in Brown's prairie, 
thesouthwestcorner of Macoupin county, 12 miles north of 
Alton. It has two stores, a castor oil factory and a do- 
zen families. 

Broad Run, a small stream in Coles county. It rises in 
the Grand prairie, and runs southwest into the Kaskaskia. 
Settlement small. 

Brockets Settlement on the west side of tlie Little Wa- 
bash, eight miles southwesterly from Ewington, in Ef- 
fingham county. The surface is tolerably level and the 
settlement contains forty or fifty families. 

Brooklyn, a town site laid off on the bank of the Mis- 
sissippi river, in St. Clair county, opposite North St. 
Louis. 

Brown's Point, a settlement at the head of timber in 



OF ILLINOIS. 165 

a larpre prairie in Morgan counly, ten miles south of Jack- 
sonville. 

Brow7i's Pi-airie^ in the corner of Macoupin and Greene 
counties and pxteiidin<T into Madison county, between 
Wood river and the Piasau. It is rich, dry soil, and is 
about twelve niiles north Ironi Alton. 

Bro-vnsville, the seat of of justice for Jackson county, 
is situated on the north side ot Bia Muddy river, on sec- 
lion two, nine south, and three west of the third principal 
meridian. It is twelve miles by land, and twenty-five by 
water from the Mississippi, and is surrounded by hills. 

The Big Muddy Salines and coal banks are near this 
plare. The population is about twenty families. 

Brahtie's Creek rises in the north part of Edgar county, 
and runs eastward across a portion of Indiana into the 
Wabash. The timber on its banks is chiefly oak. The 
settlement is in the forks, and along the north fork of the 
creek. The land is good. Prairie predomiftates over the 
timbered land. The post office is called Bluomfield. 

Brush Creek rises in the east part of Shelby county, 
runs a southwest course, and empties into the Kaskaskia 
river, in the south part of the county. The timber is in- 
diiTereni, arid the prairies are level and wet. 

Brush Creek rises in the prairies in the south part of 
Sangamon county, runs north and enters Horse creek, a 
little above its junction with the Sangamon. 

Brush Hill post office is in Cook county, in the north- 
east corner of township thirty-eight n(;rth, range eleven 
east, and sixteen miles west of Chicago. 

Brush Prairie Creek, a (rifling stream in Franklin coun- 
ty, rises in a prairie of the same name, runs west, and 
enters the middle fork of Muddy river. Good timbered 
land. 

Brushy Fork, a small branch of the Embarras on the 
east side, and in tlie northern part of Lawrence county. 
It runs a south course, and enters the main stream six 
miles above l.awrenceviile. 

The settlement is new, containing twenty-five or thirty 
families, and a portion of the country barrens. 



166 A GAZETTEER 

Brushy Fork., a small stream that rises in the prairie, 
near the borders of Edgar county, and taking a southwest 
course, enters the Emharras in Coles county, fourteen 
miles above Charleston. On the east sid^ the land is 
rolling and fertile, and there is a settlement of fifteen or 
twenty families; on the west side the land is level and 
rather wet. 

Brxtshy Prairie, on the east side of the Little Wabash, 
in Wayne county, eleven miles east of Fairfield, and con- 
tains about fifty families. 

Buck-heart Prairie, in Fulton county, is northeast from 
Lewistown, and joins Canton prairie. It is six or eight 
miles in extent, and has a considerable settlement. 

Buck-heart Creek rises near the South Fork of the San- 
gamon river, runs northwest, and enters the North Fork. 
It has a considerable settlement. 

Buck-heart Grove, at the head of Buck-heart creek, 
in Santramon county, fifteen or twentj'^ miles southeast 
from Springfield. It is a fine tract of timber, about 1000 
acres, surrounded with high prairie and settlement. 

Buck Prairie lies in Edwards county, six miles north- 
east from Albion, and is about two miles and a half 
across. 

Buck-horti Prairie is in Morgan county, six or eight 
miles south of Jacksonville. The soil is rich, but its sur- 
face is rather level and wet. 

Buckle''s Grove, at the head of the north branch of Salt 
creek, in McLean county, contains about twelve sections 
of timbered land, surrounded with rich prairie. It is in 
twenty-two north, four east, and is about six or eight 
miles east from Bloomington. 

Timber principally oak, with some sugar maple, and 
the land around it rather level. 

Buffaloe Grove, in Jo Daviess count3^ twelve miles 
north of Dixon's ferry, and on the road to GaleUfi. It 
contains four or five sections of timber, surrounded with 
the richest prairie, a post office called Buffaloe Grove, 
and a town site called St. Marion. 

Buffaloc-heart Grove lies in Sangamon county, fourteen 



OF ILLINOIS. 167 

miles northeast from Springfield and six miles south- 
easterly from Elk-heart grove, which it resembles. It 
is about three miles long, and one mile and a half wide, 
containing about four sections of timber and twenty-five 
or thirty families. The rushes, which cover the prairies 
around, furnish winter food for cattle. 

Buffalue Rock, a singular promontory on the north side 
of tlie Illinois river, in La Salle county, six miles below 
Ottawa. It rises fifty or sixty feet nearly perpendicular 
on three sides, and contains on its surface about six hun- 
dred acres of timber and prairie. 

Bnllard's Prairie, sometimes called Gardner's prairie, 
in the western })art of Lawrence county, sixteen miles 
from Lawrenceville. It is eight or ten miles long, and 
two miles wide, second rate soil, and has considerable 
settlements on its borders. 

Bullbona Grove in sixteen north, eijjht east, in Putnam 
county. Prairie rich and undulating. 

Buncombe Settlement, in Johnson county, eiorht miles 
northwest from Vienna, contains forty families; soil rather 
broken, thin and rocky. 

Bunker Hill, an elevated town site in the south part of 
Macoupin county, section fourteen, seven north, eight 
west, in a large undulating prairie. 

Bureau Creek rises in the northern part of Putnam coun- 
ty, runs southwest, receives Little Bureau, turns thence 
southeast, and enters the Illinois river nearly opposite 
Hennepin. It is a fine mill stream, with a bold current, 
rock, gravel, and sand in its bottom, and receives a num- 
ber of branches. About the bluffs of the Illinois the sur- 
face of the land is broken, but in general it is excel- 
lent the whole length of the stream. Between its branches 
are fine prairies, undulating, rich, and dry, and along its 
borders is much excellent timber. 

BurnsicWs Settlement, in Clinton county, five miles 
north of Carlyle, called by some the Irish settlement. 

Burnt Prairie, in the northwestern part of White, and 
extending into Wayne county, is about two miles in di- 



168 A GAZETTEER 

anieter, contains some g'ood land and a dense settlement. 
Here is a post office and town site. 

Burnt Frairie, in Edwards county, four miles north- 
west from Albion. It is about six miles long- and two 
miles wide, interspersed with small groves and points of 
timber. The soil is good, and the population dense. 
Here is a windmill erected by a Mr. Clark, an English 
gentleman, which does good business as a grist mill. 

^^rort, a town site in Champaign county in Big Grove, 
three and half miles northwest from Urbanna, with three 
or four families. 

Cache Mere^ a small lake in McHenr}' county. 

CadweWs Branch,, a small branch of the Mauvaiseterre, 
which it enters from the south, ten miles below Jackson- 
ville. It is a mill stream and rocky. 

CahcA-ia, and old French village, and one of the earliest 
in Illinois, situated in the American bottom, in ^t. Clair 
county, five miles south of VViggin's Ferry, and ten miles 
north of west from Belleville. 

The Cahokias, (or according to the orthography of the 
early French explorers, the Cao^J^'G-s,) one of the tribes of 
the |»reat nation of Illini, had made this a resting place 
for a long time previous to the discovery of the Missis- 
sippi, probably on account of the game which abounded 
in the vicinity. It is probable that the first settlement 
was made here by the French, shortly after La Salle de- 
scended the Mississippi, in 1683. 

Charlevoix, who visited the place in 1721, expresses 
his astonishment that his countrymen had pitchi-d upon 
so inconvenient a situation, being " half a league" from 
the river. He says, however, the people told him that 
the Mississippi otice washed the foot of the village, but 
that in three years it had receded half a league, and that 
the people were talking of removing to a more eligible 
situation. 

In 1766, it contained forty families; and at the com- 
mencement of the revolutionary war they had increased 
to fifty. This is about their present number. It was once 
the seat of a considerable fur trade. 



OF ILLINOIS. 



169 



Both the Spanish and French governments, in form- 
ing settlements on the Mississippi, had special regard to 
convenience of social intercourse, and protection Irom 
the Indians. All their settlements were required to be 
in the form of villages or towns, and lots of a convenient 
size for a door yard, garden and stable yard were pro- 
vided for each family. To each village were granted two 
tracts of land at convenient distances, for " commonfields 

and " commons.''^ ^ „ i • j j 

A common field is a tract of land of several hundred 
acres, enclosed in common by the villagers, each person 
furnishintr his proportion of labor, and each family pos- 
sessing individual interest in a portion of the field, mark- 
ed off,'' and bounded from the rest. Ordinances were 
made to reo-ulate the repairs of fences, the time of ex- 
cludino- catUe in the spring, and the time of gathering 
the cro'p and opening the field for the range of cattle m 
the fall. Each plat of ground in the common field was 
owned in fee simple by the person to whom granted, sub- 
ject to sale and conveyance, the same as any landed pro- 
perty. , , . c 

A common is a tract of land granted to the town or 
wood and pasturage, in which each owner of a village lot 
has a comvion, but not an individual right. In some cases 
this tract embraced several thousand acres. 7 he " com- 
mon" attached to Cahokia, extends up the prairie oppo- 
site St. Louis. 

Cahokia creek rises in Macoupin county, runs in a 
southwesterly direction through Madison into St. Clair 
county, and empties into the Mississippi two miles be- 
low the ferry at St. Louis. Through the American bot- 
tom the course of this stream is very sluggish, and 
meanders greatly. A mill dam backs up the water fif- 
teen milesr Near its borders are several lakes and 
ponds rendering this portion of the American bottom 

unhealthy. , . .,i j 

Formerly this creek passed Cahokia village, and en- 
tered the Mississippi further down, but a mischievous 
Frenchman, from some pique against the village, cut a 
15 



170 A GAZETTEER 

channel from the creek to the river, and formed its present 
outlet. Along its borders are sixty or seventy mounds of 
various shapes and sizes. 

Cairo is located near the mouth of the Ohio and extends 
across the point of land from river to river. Tlie termi- 
nation of the great central railroad is to be at or near the 
site of Cairo. 

Calamic, a stream at the south end of lake Michigan. 
It rises in Indiana, runs westward into Illinois, turns north 
and enters the lake. Much of the country near the lake is 
low and swampy. Further up are rapids and falls in the 
streann. 

Caledonia, a town laid off on the bluffs of the Ohio in 
Alexander county, three miles above America. A wharf is 
here constructing to secure a good landing for boats which 
is wanted at America. 

It has two or three stores, a dozen families, and is 
thought to be an important site for business. 

Calumet^ a large stream that rises in Indiana, winds 
into Illinois, turns again and enters the lake Michigan, 
near the boundary line. Much of the country near the 
lake is low and swampy. Further up are rapids, and good 
water power. 

Calumet,, a town site with 8 or 10 houses and a post of- 
fice near the mouth of the Calumet. 

Camden, a town site at the mouth of the Illinois river in 
the southwest part of Green county. 

Cameron's Settlement, in Fulton count}^ eight miles 
northwest from Lewistown, is in a tract of good land, a 
mixture of timber and prairie, with a considerable popu- 
lation. 

CamphelVs Island, in' the Mississippi, ten miles above 
Rock Island, in the upper rapids of the Mississippi. 

Camp Creek, a small stream in Randolph county, that 
enters the Kaskaskia river on the west side, in five south, 
eight west. 

Camp Creek is an insignificant stream that rises in the 
prairies which divide Hancock from Warren county, and 
runs west into the Mississippi. 



OF ILLINOIS. 171 

Camp Creek in Mercer county, rises in the interior of 
Henry county, runs west and enters Edwards river in 
township fifteen north, range one west; high, rolling 
prairie, and Richland grove. 

Camp Fork, a hranch of Crooked creek in McDonough 
county, rises in Hickory grove, on the north side of seven 
north, two west, runs south, and unites with Drowning 
fork. The land on these creeks is of the first quality. 

Canaan is a rich settlement in Shelby county, twelve 
miles north of Shelbyville: a very superior tract. 

Canaan, a post office, in Rock Island county, 20 miles 
north of Stephenson. 

Canteen Creek rises in ridge prairie, in the south part 
of Madison county, runs a western course, and enters the 
Cahokia creek in the American bottom. Little Canteen 
creek rises in St. Clair county, and enters the main creek 
about the bluffs. 

Canteen Settlement, in Madison county, about six miles 
south of Edvvardsville. 

Carlton, a pleasant town in Fulton county, on the borders 
of a large prairie, fifteen miles north of Lewistown on 
section twenty-seven, seven north, four east. 

It is a respectable town, has eight or ten stores, a large 
academy and a charter for a college, and a population of 
five or six hundred. The country around is high, undu- 
lating, fertile and healthy, with a due mixture of timber 
and prairie. 

Canton Prairie, in Fulton county, commences near 
Spoon river and runs northward, dividing the waters that 
fall into Spoon river on the left, from those that enter the 
Illinois on the right, till it becomes lost in the interminable 
prairies on Rock river. At Canton it is from two to three 
miles ir. width, dry, undulating, and inexhaustibly rich. 
Further north it becomes inferior. 

CantriWs Creek rises on the eastern side of Sangamon 
county, runs west, and enters Sangamon river about fifteen 
miles above Salt Fork. The land on this creek is rather 
level, the soil rich, and about equally divided into timber 
and prairie. 



172 A GAZETTEER 

Cape au Gris. A small French settlement of this name, 
(which means Cape of Grit or Gr'mdstone^ from the ror-ks 
near,) was formed on the Mississippi, above the mouth of 
the Illinois, at the most southern bend of the river in Cal- 
houn county, about forty years since. In 1811, it con- 
sisted of about twenty families, who had a village on the 
bank of the river, and cultivated a common field of about 
five hundred acres in the prairie, one mile from the river. 
They were driven off by the Indians durinor the last war 
with Great Britain. The American population began to 
enter this county, in 1818, 

Carlinville, the seat of justice of Macoupin county, 
is situated on the north side of the Lake Fork of the Ma- 
coupin, in a beautiful prairie. 

It is on section twenty-eight, ten north, seven west of 
the third principal meridian. 

Carlinville has several stores, one grocery, two lawyers, 
two physicians, and about 80 families, and is improving 
rapidly. The state roads from Vandalia to Carrollton, 
and from Springfield to Alton, intersect at this place. 

It is fifty-five miles northwest from Vandalia, forty-five 
miles southeast from Jacksonville, forty-five miles south- 
west from Springfield, thirty-five east of Carrollton, thir- 
ty-five miles north from Edwardsville,and thirty-five north- 
east from Alton. The country around Carlinville ispropor- 
tionably divided into timber and prairie. 

A theological Seminary, under patronage of the Presby- 
terian Synod of Illinois is about to be established at this 
place, and the railroad from Alton to Springfield will pass 
through it. 

Carlyle, the seat of justice for Clinton county, is si- 
tuated on the west side of the Kaskaskia river, 215 miles 
by water above its mouth, and on the Vincennes and St. 
Louis road. 

It was laid out as a town site, in 1818, on section eigh- 
teen, two north, two west, on elevated ground, on the bor- 
der of a large prairie. The intersection of several public 
roads from different parts of the state, gives it an appear- 



OF ILLINOIS. 173 

ance of life and business, rarely to be seen in a place so 
remote from commercial advantages. 

Carlyle contains five stores, three taverns, a orrist and 
saw mill by water power, and forty families. The court 
house is of wood. 

Carmi, the seat of justice of White county, situated on 
the west bank of the Little Wabash, and nearly in the 
centre of the county. It is surrounded by lands of a good 
quality, and an extensive settlement, and is in latitude 
thirty-eiwht degrees five minutes north, eighty miles south- 
east of Vandalia. It is now in an improving condition, 
has four stores, a saw and flouring mill, and a neat brick 
court house, forty feet square, with a cupola, the whole 
painted and neatly finished. 

Carmi has many good framed houses, and about fifty 
families, 2 lawyers, and 3 physicians. 

Curolus, a post office in Vermilion county, about twen- 
ty miles from Danville, west of south, and on the mail 
route from Vincennes to Chicago. 

Carrollton, the seat of justice for Greene county, is 
a flourishing and pleasant village, situated on the borders 
of String prairie, nearly equidistant from Macoupin and 
Apple creeks, and on the dividing line of sections twenty- 
two and twenty-three, ten north, and twelve west. 

It has J 7 stores, 6 groceries, 2 taverns, 7 lawyers, 
physicians, 4 ministers of the gospel, 2 male and 2 female 
schools, 2 steam flouring mills, 2 steam saw mills, one 
tannery, and about 1000 inhabitants. 

The court house is neatly built of brick; forty-four by 
forty-six feet, two stories, with a handsome spire. 

Around Carrollton is a beautiful country, tolerably lev- 
el, rich soil, suitably proportioned into timber and prai- 
rie, and densely populated with industrious and thriving 
farmers. 

Here are Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and Refor- 
mer societies. 

Houses of worship for the Baptists, Reformers, and Me- 
thodists are erected, and the Presbyterians are preparing 
to build. 

15* 



174 A GAZETTEER 

Improved farms around Carrollton sell for ten, fifteen, 
and twenty dollars per acre. The houses mostly are 
framed, or of brick, built in a plain but convenient style. 

Carter^s Settlement^ near the south part of McDonough 
county, twelve miles from Macomb, on the road to Rush- 
ville. The land is gently undulating, soil rich, timber and 
prairie proportioned, and an extensive settlement. 

It is in tPie south part of four north, two west, between 
the heads of Sugar creek and Grindstone fork. This is 
the oldest settlement in the county. 

Carthage, the seat of justice for Hancock county, is 
situated in the prairie, one mile from timber between the 
head waters of J3ear and Long creeks, and nine miles from 
the Mississippi, on the northwest quarter of section nine- 
teen, township five north, in range six west. The town 
was laid oif by commissioners in March, 1833, and about 
one hundred lots sold the following. June; averaging about 
thirty dollars each. It now contains three stores, one gro- 
cery, three carpenters, one blacksmith, two cabinet mak- 
ers, one wheelwright, one tavern, one brick maker, one 
physician; but no lawyer. 

The adjoining prairie is dry, and beautifully undula- 
ting. The timber adjacent is excellent. Good water in 
all this region is obtained by digging wells from fifteen to 
twenty-five feet deep. Coal is near and in abundance. 
Since the sale of lots, property has risen in value about 
fifty per cent. 

Cass Post Office is in Cook county, 22 miles from Chi- 
cago, on the road to Ottawa. 

Casey''s Grove is fifteen miles northeast from Jackson- 
ville, on the road to Beardstown, It is a small grove of 
from five to six hundred acres on Clay creek. 

Casey^s Fralrie, in Jefferson county, adjoining IMount 
Vernon, is five miles long and two miles broad; surface 
tolerably level, soil second rate, and the population con- 
sists of about 130 families. 

Cash river, a stream in the southern part of the state, 
which is formed from several branches, and a series of 
ponds that exist in Union and Johnson counties. These 



OF ILLINOIS. 175 

unite in Alexander county, through which the main 
stream follows a devious course, at one time approaching^ 
within a mile and a half of the Mississippi, and again ap- 
proaching near the Ohio, till it empties its waters into the 
latter river, at Trinity, six miles ahove its mouth. 

One of its principal branches rises in Union county, 
and forms the " Scatters of Cash," which see. 

Another source of its waters is in Johnson county, in 
a series of ponds which are connected with the waters of 
Big Bay creek, in Pope county. The outlet of these 
ponds is known by the name of Pond Slough. 

The alluvions of Cash river, where not inundated, are 
wide, of a rich soil, and heavily timbered. 

Ca/o, a post office on the west side of Clay county, and 
on the Vincennes and St. Louis stage roads. 

Cat Tail Swamp, is in Whiteside county, and connects 
the waters of the Mississippi and Rock river. It is navi- 
gable for small craft at some seasons. 

Cave-in-Rock. This natural curiosit)', well known to 
all the navigators of the Ohio river, is situated on the 
bank of the Ohio, where the dividing line between Pope 
and Gallatin counties strikes the river. Such caves and 
piles of rock, as are described in the following sketch, 
are called by the Indians Mon-c-to — a name spelled Man- 
i-teau, by the French, and sometimes Mon-it-to by other 
authors. It signifies ''"the residence of a s/}2>i7," either 
good or bad. 

There are several Mon-e-toes in Illinois, Missouri, and 
other western states. One is at the precipices of the 
Mississippi adjoining Lower Alton. Two more that give 
names to streams in Boone and Coles counties, Missouri. 
The Indians relate some wild and extravagant legends 
of the freaks of these imaginary beings at their " resi- 
dences," and they usually propitiate the favour of the 
Mon-e-to, by liberal offerings, and the firing of guns, as 
they pass his habitation. 

The one at the head of this article, known to Americans 
by the name Cave-in-rock, was long the rendezvous of a 



176 A GAZETTEER 

class of beings, far more formidable and dangerous to the 
whites, than the Indian Mon-e-toes. 

In 1797, it was the place of resort and security to Ma- 
son and his £:ang of robbers; who plundered and murdered 
the crews of boats, while descending the Ohio. It still 
answers as a temporary residence for those who need 
shelter while on the river. The rock is limestone abound- 
ing with shells. 

The following description of this cave is given by 
Thaddeus M. Harris, an English tourist, made in the 
spring of 1803, a writer who has done justice to the West 
in his descriptions generally. 

"For about three or four miles before you come to this 
place, you are presented with a scene truly romantic. On 
the Illinois side of the river, you see large ponderous 
rocks piled one upon another, of differerit colours, shapes 
and sizes. Some appear to have gone through the hands 
of the most skilful artist; some represent the ruins of an- 
cient edifices; others thrown promiscuously ia and out of 
the river, as if nature intended to show us with what ease 
she could handle those mountains of solid rock. In some 
places, you see purling streams winding their course down 
their rugged front; while in others, the rocks project so 
far, that they seem almost disposed to leave their doubt- 
ful situations. After a short relief from this scene, you 
come to a second, which is something similar to the first; 
and here, with strict scrutiny, you can discover the cave. 

"Before its mouth stands a delightful grove of cypress 
trees, arranged immediately on the bank of the river. 
They have a fine appearance, and add much to the cheer- 
fulness of the place. 

" The mouth of the cave is but a few feet above the 
ordinary level of the river, and is formed by a semicircu- 
lar arch of about eighty feet at its base, and twenty-five 
feet in height, the top projecting considerably over, form- 
ing a regular concave. From the entrance to the ex- 
tremity, which is about 180 feet, it has a regular and 
gradual ascent. On either side is a solid bench of rock; 
the arch coming to a point about the middle of the cave, 



OF ILLINOIS. 177 

where you discover an opening sufficiently large to receive 
the body of a man, through which comes a small stream 
of fine water, made use oif by those who visit this place. 
From this hole, a second cave is discovered whose di- 
mensions, form, etc., are not known. The rock is of lime- 
stone. The sides of the cave are covered with inscrip- 
tions, names of persons, dates, etc."* 

The trees have been cut down and the entrance into the 
cave exposed to view. 

Cedar Creek post office is in Warren county, section 
thirty-five, township twelve north, range three west, and 
about seven miles northwest from Monmouth. 

Cedar Creek, in Adams county, which rises in one south, 
eight west, runs west, and enters Boston bay. 

A saw and grist mill has been erected on this stream 
and the land contiguous is good. 

Cedar Creek, in Johnson county, rises in the northeastern 
part, runs south, and enters Big bay creek. It has large, 
abrupt bluffs, covered with cedar, and a settlement near 
it. 

Cedar Creek, a branch of Big Muddy river in Jackson 
county, rises in Union county, and runs first north, and 
then a western course, and enters Muddy river twelve 
miles above its mouth. This creek has high bluffs to- 
wards its mouth, which abound with cedar. 

The country is broken, timbered, well watered with 
springs, and contains about one hundred families. The 
main settlement is six miles from Brownsville. 

Cedar Fork, a branch of Crooked creek, in the north- 
west corner of Schuyler county, runs through a dry and 
rather hilly tract of country. 

Cedar Fork oi Henderson river rises in the great prairie 
between Henderson and Spoon rivers and taking a north- 
western course, enters the main Henderson. The land 
along its borders is first rate, and begins to receive culti- 
vation from an industrious settlement. 

Centerviile, called also " Virginia Centerville," a settle- 

* Harris's Tour, etc., Boston, 1805. 



178 A GAZETTEER 

ment at the intersection of the base line of the fourth prin- 
cipal meridian, with the boundary line betwixt Adams 
and Schuyler counties. Excellent prairie and timbered 
land, undulating-, healthy, and watered by the head 
branches of McKee's and crooked creeks. 

A post office is here called Daviston, within Schuyler 
county, twenty-five miles from Rushville. 

Centerville, a post office in Wabash county, situated 
five miles northwest from Mount Carmel. 

Charleston, the seat of justice for Coles county, is 
situated on the border of the Grand prairie, two and a half 
miles from, and on the west side of, the Embarras river, 
or. section eleven, township twelve north, nine east. The 
surface around is tolerably level, the soil fertile, and the 
settlements already considerable, will soon be extensive. 
It has three stores, three groceries, and about twenty-five 
families. It was laid out in 1831, and the first sale of 
lots took place in that year. 

Charter^s Grove^ a small tract of timber on the waters of 
Kishwaukee in Kane county. 

Chatham, a post office in Sangamon county, north of 
Sangamon river, and on the road from Springfield to Ha- 
vanna. 

Chei/ney^s Grove, a settlement near the head waters of 
the Sangamon, on the east of McLean county, twenty-three 
north, six east. This timber is an island in the great prai- 
rie, of three or foursquare miles, twenty-five miles east of 
Bloomington, and on the road to Danville. The population 
is 24 fiimilies. 

Cherry Grove, a settlement in S{. Clair county, eight 
miles northeasterly from Belleville, with a dense popu- 
lation of Germans. 

Cherry Grove, a post office, iii Jo Daviess county. 

Chester, a town on the bank of the Mississippi river, 
in Randolph county, and about two miles below the mouth 
of the Kaskaskia river. It \r, situated on an elevated strip 
of bottom land at the foot of the bluffs and is a commer- 
cial depot for the country back. 

Exports by steamboats for 183G, ^150,000; imports, 



OF ILLINOIS. 179 

130,000. It has five stores, three groceries, one tavern, 
one physician, two ministers of the gospel, four ware- 
houses, one steam saw and grist mill, one castor oil fac- 
tory, and 280 inhabitants. 

Chicago, the seat of justice for Cook county, is situated 
on a river or bay of the same name, at the junction of 
North and South branches, and from thence to lake Michi- 
gan. The town is beautifully situated on level ground, 
but sufficiently elevated above the highest floods, and on 
both sides of the river. 

Its growth, even for western cities, has been of unpar- 
alleled rapidity. In 1832 it contained five small stores, 
and 250 inhabitants. In 1831, there were four arrivals 
from the lower lakes, two brigs and two schooners, which 
was sufficient for all the trade of the northeastern part of 
Illinois, and the northwestern part of Indiana. In 1835 
there were about 267 arrivals of brigs, ships and schoon- 
ers, and 9 of steamboats, and brought 5015 tons of 
merchandise and 9400 barrels of salt. The valueof mer- 
chandise imported equal to two and a half millions of dol- 
lars, besides a vast number of emigrant families, with 
their furniture, provisions, &c. Owing to the vast influx 
of emigration, the exports have been but small. There 
are about 60 stores, 30 groceries, 10 public houses, 23 
physicians, 41 lawyers, five ministers and about 5000 in- 
habifanis. 

The Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Episcopali- 
ans, and Roman Catholics, each have houses of worship. 
The harbor constructed by the United States government 
is now nearly completed and will afford one of the safest 
and best on the northern lakes. 

Chicago is now an incorporated city, under the usual niu- 
Dicipal regulations. It lias one or more insurance com- 
panies, fire companies, water works for the supply of the 
city from the lake, several good schools and a respectable 
academy, three printing offices that publish weekly papers 
and mechanics of every description. 

The natural position of the place, the enterprise and 
capital that will concentrate here, with favorable pros- 



180 A GAZETTEER 

pects for health, must soon make this place the emporium 
of trade and business for all the northern country. 

Back of the town, towards the Des Plaines, is a fertile 
prairie, and for the first three or four miles, elevated and 
dry. 

Along the north branch of the Chicacro, and the lake 
shore, are extensive bodies of fine timber. Large quan- 
tities of white pine exist in the regions towards Green 
bay, and about Grand river in Michigan, from which lum- 
ber in any quantities is obtained and conveyed by ship- 
ping to Chicago. Yellow poplar boards and plank are 
brought across the lake from the St. Joseph's river. 

The mail in post coaches from Detroit, arrives here 
tri-v;eekly, and departs for Galena, for Springfield, Alton, 
and St. Louis, and for Danville and Vincennes. 

The United States owns a strip of elevated ground be- 
tween the town and lake, about half a mile in width, on 
which Fort Dearborn and the lighthouse are situated, but 
which is now claimed, as a pre-emption right, and is now 
in a course of judicial investigation. 

Chicago^ the stream or bay, on which the town of Chi- 
cago is situated. It is made by North and Soii'th branch- 
es, which form a junction in the upper part of the town, 
about three fourths of a mile from the lake. The Chicago 
resembles a vast canal, from fifty to seventy-five yards wide 
and from fifteen to twenty-five feet deep. Northerly and 
easterly storms throw the cool waters of thelake into this 
channel, and raise it about three feet. 

North Branch, which is the largest, rises a short dis- 
tance above the boundary line, and near the lake, and runs 
parallel with the lake shore a southerly course, and is na- 
vigable for small boats. Its banks are well timbered, and 
the land fertile. 

In spring floods, its waters, in one or two places, flow 
across the prairie and commingle with those of Des 
Plaines. 

South Branch rises in an opposite direction, in the prai- 
ries towards the Saganaskee swamp, runs a northern 
direction about twenty miles, and forms a junction with 



OF ILLINOIS. 181 

the Nortli branch, in the town of Chicago. The timber 
is rather scarce on South branch. 

Chillicothe, a to\rn site and 00 or 30 families, in Peoria 
county at the upper end of Peoria lake. 

Chippewa^ a town site in Madison county, directly op- 
posite the mouth of the Missouri. A steam mill and seve- 
ral buildings are goin^ up. 

Chateau^ s Island, is in the Mississippi river, in the south- 
western part of Madison county. It is four miles long-, 
and a mile and a half wide, and has several families and 
farms on it. In extreme high floods the water of the river 
nearly covers it. 

Christian Settlement, see Allison''s Prairie, 

Clirisfy''s Prairie, sometimes called Lewis''s Prairie, is 
in liawrence county ten miles west of Lawrenceville, 
moderately rolling, and good second rate land. Popula- 
tion 150 families. 

Clary'' s Grove is a beautiful tract of timber and flour- 
ishing settlement, in Sangamon county, eighteen miles 
northwest from Springfield, and surrounded with excel- 
lent prairie. The timber is three or four miles in diameter, 
consisting of oaks, sugar maple, walnut, hickory, linden, 
elm, locust, and various other species. Clary's creek 
issues from this grove, runs northwesterly, and enters the 
Sangamon river near the corner of Morgan county. 

Little Grove is a smaller tract contiguous to Clary's 
Grove; timber and prairie of the same quality. 

Clayton is a town site on the east side of Adams county, 
on section thirty-five, township one north, range five west. 

Clay Creek rises in the prairies in the northeastern 
part of Morgan county, passes through two lakes in the 
bottom, and enters the Illinois river below Eeardstown. 

Clay Lick, a branch of Cedar creek, in Union county. 
The land is hilly, and heavily timbered. 

Clay Prairie, in Clark county, lies west from Union 
Prairie, and eight miles southwest from Darwin. It con- 
tains a large settlement. 

Clear Creek, a small stream that rises in the prairies 
near Paris, Edgar county, and leaving the county at its 
16 



182 - A GAZETTEER 

southeast corner, passes across a strip of Indiana, and 
enters the Wabash. It is a mill stream, and the land on 
each side is good. 

Clear Creek, a small stream in Putnam county, ten 
miles south of Hennepin. Along its banks are fine tim- 
ber, and the adjoining prairies are excellent. 

Clear Creek, a stream that rises in Union county, runs 
south and enters the Mississippi in the northwestern part 
of Alexander county. One branch rises in the northern 
part of Union, the other in the neighbourhood of Jones- 
boro'. 

Clear Creek, in Sangamon county, rises in the prairies 
between Salt creek and the North Fork, runs a south- 
western course, and enters the Sangamon river near the 
junction of the North and South Forks. This is a good 
mill stream; the country on its borders rather level, tim- 
ber good, considerable prairie, and a population of 200 or 
300 families. 

Clear Creek, a small stream in Morgan county, that 
passes through the narrows and enters the Illinois river 
below Beardstown. 

Clear Creek, post office, is at Mechanicsburg, 14 miles 
east of Springfield, and on the road to Decatur. 

Clear Lake, an expansion of water in the American bot- 
tom, St. Clair county, about ten miles westerly from 
Belleville. 

Clendening' s Settlement, in Greene county, six miles 
southwest of Carrollton. 

Clifton, a post office on Sugar creek, Clinton county. 

Clifton, on the bank of the Mississippi, four miles 
above Alton. Here is a landing, a steam saw mill, an 
excellent free stone quarry, and a quarry of water cement 
lime stone, and a town site. 

Clinton, a town site, post offices and half a dozen fami- 
lies, in the northern part of Macon county, 24 miles from 
Decatur. 

Clinton Hill is three miles north of Belleville, in St. 
Clair county, and the residence of John Messenger, Esq. 
It is an elevated timbered tract, containing some excel- 



OF ILLINOIS. 183 

lent springs, and a valuable stone quarry. The Rich- 
land Baptist church have their house of worship here. 

C/«o, a post office in the northwest corner of Pike county, 
23 miles northwest from Pittsfield. 

Coal Banks, in the bluifs of St. Clair county, east side 
of the American bottom, and seven miles from St. Louis 
ferry. 

Several beds have been opened along the bluffs, with- 
in three miles. The coal is bituminous, burns well, and 
appears to be inexhaustible. About 300,000 bushels are 
now taken to St. Louis annually, and the demand for it 
is rapidly increasing. 

Cool Creek, in Schuyler county, heads near Crane creek, 
runs east, and enters the Illinois, four miles above Beards- 
town. 

Coal Creek, in the northwest part of Putnam county, 3 
miles west of French grove, and runs into swamps. 
Here is coal in abundance and a beautiful grove of timber. 

Cochran'' s Grove, a post offiice and settlement in Shelby 
county, ten miles east cf Shelbyville. 

Coffee Creek, an inconsiderable stream in Wabash 
county, that enters the Wabash river, six miles below 
Mount Carmel. A settlement of the same name is along 
its course. It is a timbered country, undulating, and 
broken. 

Cold Prairie is in the American bottom, in St Clair 
county, on the road from St. Louis to Belleville. 

Cold Spring Settlement and post office is in Shelby 
county, on the road from Vandalia to Shelbyville, twelve 
miles south of the latter place. The land is second rate, 
and proportioned into timber and prairie. This was for- 
merly called Wakefield'' s Settlement. 

Collinsville, a village, post office, and settlement, in the 
south part of Madison county. 

Here is a store, a large mill for sawing and grinding, 
and several mechanics. A meeting house and Presby- 
terian church of fifty members, a large Sabbath school, 
and a body of sober, moral and industrious citizens, ren- 
der this an interesting settlement. 



184 A GAZETTEER 

Columbusi a town near the centre of Adams county, of 
40 or 50 families. 

Columbo Creek rises in Perry county, runs a southeast 
course, and enters Big Beaucoup, in Jackson county. 

Columbus, a town .site in Randolph county, near the 
Flat prairie, eighteen miles east of Kaskaskia, on section 
one, five south, six west. Here is an academy, a congre- 
gation of Reformed Presbyterians, and an industrious and 
large settlement. 

The post office is called " Shannori's Store.'^ 

Commerce, a town, landingand post office on the Missis- 
sippi, in Hancock county, 16 miles northwest of Carthage, 
and at the head of the Lower rapids, in seven north, one 
west. It has two stores, one grocery, and 12 or 15 families. 

Compton's Prairie, in Wabash county, twelve miles 
west of Mount Carmel. This is a small, rich, level 
prairie, inclined to be wet, and has twenty-five or thirty 
families. 

Concord, a post office and settlement, sometimes called 
*' Slocumb's," in White county, between the Little and 
Big Wabash, below Big prairie. 

Concord, a town site on the Iroquois river, opposite Iro- 
quois town. It has a steam saw and grist mill, and two 
or three families. 

Coon Creek, a branch of the North Fork of the Kish- 
waukeein Kane county. It rises in township forty north, 
range four east, and runs west. 

Coonsville, a small creek and settlement, on the south 
side of Apple creek, in Greene county, and six miles 
northwest from Carrollton. 

Coop''s Creek, a branch of the Macoupin, in Macoupin 
county. It rises in the prairies towards the head of Ca- 
hokia creek, runs a northwesterly course, and enters the 
main stream below the forks. Timber and prairie, undu- 
lating and rich. 

Copperas Creek, in Fulton county, towards the eastern 
part. It rises'- near Canton, runs a southeastern course, 
and enters the Illinois river in six north, five east. 
Much of it is a timbered tract; some good prairie, and a 
larsfc settlement. 



OF ILLINOIS. 185 

Cottonherger'^s Settlement, on Salt creek, in the north- 
west part of Macon county, eighteen miles north from 
Decatur. 

Cotton Hill Prairie is in Sangamon county, between 
South Fork and Horse creek, twelve miles south of 
Springfield. 

Court Creek runs through Knox county, from north- 
west to southeast, and enters Spoon river. 

Covington was formerly the seat of justice of Washing- 
ton county, but after its division in forming Clinton, this 
place was left in the northwest corner of the county, 
and now contains half a dozen families. It is situated 
on the left bank of the Kaskaskia river, in section thirty- 
three, township one north, three west. Should the con- 
templated improvements of the Kaskaskia river be carried 
forward so as to be navigated by steam, Covington may 
become a place of some importance. 

It is fourteen miles from Nashville. 

Coumover''s Branch., in Morgan county, rises at the head 
of Jersey prairie, and enters Indian creek near Smart's 
mill. 

Cox's Grot?/?, a small body of timber on the line of Cass 
and Sangamon counties. 

Cox's Prairie, northeast of Brownsville, in Jackson 
county, near Big Eeaucoup, contains about four sections 
of good rolling land. 

Crab Orchard, a small creek that rises in the south part 
of Franklin county, passes into Jackson, and enters the 
Big Muddy, fifteen miles above Brownsville. The coun- 
try adjoining is level and good, and the settlement has 
forty or fifty families. 

Crawfish Creek, a small stream in Wabash county, that 
enters the Wabash river six m.iles above Mount Carmel. 
The adjacent country is sterile and broken. 

Crawford' s Creek is an insignificant stream in Adams 
county, containing excellent land and timber. It enters the 
south prong of Bear creek. 

Crane Creek, a small stream in Schuyler county, which 
rises near Rushville, runs south through a timbered re- 

IG* 



186 A GAZETTEER 

gfion,and enters the Illinois a few yards above the mouth 
of Crooked creek. 

Crane Creek, a triflincr stream that enters the Sangamon 
river from the north side, below Miller's ferr}'. 

Crane Creeks in Whiteside county, rises near the south 
fork of Plum creek, runs west, then south, and enters Rock 
river fifteen or twenty miles below Dixon's ferry, near the 
foot of the second rapids. Its length is about twenty-five 
miles. The timber near it is in groves, and the country 
generall}' the finest for farming purposes. It is a good 
mill stream. 

Crooked Creek, ow the military tract, from its size, length, 
and number of its branches, should be called a river; but 
it is not our province to make or alter names. The term 
*' creek" is applied to this stream on the maps, and in the 
vocabulary of the country. It rises in numerous branches 
in McDonough and Hancock counties, and near the bor- 
ders of Warren, runs a southern course through McDon- 
ough and Schuyler counties, and enters the Illinois in sec- 
tion thirteen, one south, one west, six miles below Beards- 
town. It can easily be made navigable some distance. 
No better land can be found in Illinois than the country 
in general watered by this stream; and the many small 
tributaries emptying into it from the east and west not 
only afl[brd many mill seats, but apportion the timber and 
prairie so nearly equal as to render almost every tract ca- 
pable of immediate settlement. It is to be regretted that 
much of the land in this section of the country is owned 
by non residents, and that it is held at prices much too 
liiffh to suit the circumstances of settlers, or the relative 
value of land in this state. 

The country generally on Crooked creek is gently un- 
dulating, dry soil, inexhaustibly rich, and where timber 
exists it is of excellent quality. Here are found oaks of 
different species, walnut, sugar maple, linden, hackber- 
ry, hickory, cherry, honey locust, mulberry, elm, ash, and 
vaiious other growth common to the state. The soil is an 
argillaceous mould, from one to four feet deep. Near the 
inouth of Crooked creek is an extensive bottom on the II- 



OF ILLINOIS. 187 

linois, inundated in high water, but affording an extensive 
range for stock during the greatest part of the year. 

Bituminous coal is found in great abundance along this 
stream and its tributaries, with several quarries of free 
stone. 

Crooked Creek^ in Marion county, rises in the Grand 
prairie near Salem, runs a southwesterly course, and en- 
ters the Kaskaskia river above Covington. 

Crooked Creek^ an insignificant stream and branch of 
the Little Wabash, in White county, eight miles above 
Carmi. 

It is a timbered region, and the settlement is large. 

Crow Creek rises in the north part of McLean coun- 
ty, passes through the southwestern part of La Salle, 
and enters the Illinois river in Putnam county below 
Hennepin. 

There is a fine skirt of timber and much good prairie 
along its borders. 

Crow Creek, a small stream in Putnam county that en- 
ters the Illinois river from the west side. It rises in Crow 
grove, (Boyd's) and runs an east course. 

Crow Grove, or Boyd's settlement, forty miles above 
Peoria, on the stage road to Galena. It is a beautiful 
tract of country, in fourteen north, eight east from the 
fourth principal meridian, and thirteen miles west of Hen- 
nepin. 

Crow Meadow post office is in Putnam county, on the 
road from Peoria to Ottawa. 

Crow Prairie lies near the Illinois river, in Putnam 
county, on the east side, twelve miles below Hennepin. 
It is six miles long and three miles wide, good soil, and 
timber around it. 

Crow Prairie is in Putnam county, on the west side of 
the Illinois river. It is twelve miles long, four miles 
wide, and dry, rich, farming land. 

Cumberland, a post office on the National Road, 6 miles 
east of Vandalia. 

Curran, a post office in Gallatin county, 13 miles north- 
west from E(]ualit3\ 



188 A GAZETTEER 

Cufler^s Settlement, in Coles county, eight miles north- 
east from Charleston, on the east side of the Enibarras. 
The soil, both of the timbered land and prairie, is good, 
and the settlement contains from forty to fifty families. 

Cypress, a slnggish creek in Gallatin county, between 
Equality and Shawneetown, which runs into the Saline 
creek. 

The land in the vicinity is generally good and heavily 
timbered. 

Crystal Lahe, a beautiful sheet of water in McIIenry 
county, with gravelly banks and a delightful prospect. 

Dad Joe''s Grove, so called from Joseph Smith, but more 
commonly known to the people, by the euphonious name 
of ^^ Old Dad.'''' It is in Putnam county, section four, 
eighteen north, nine east. 

Danville, the seat of justice for Vermilion county, is 
situated on the Vermilion river of the Wabash, on section 
eight, in township nineteen north, and in range eleven 
west from the second principal meridian. 

It is on a dry, sandy, and elevated surface, surrounded 
with heavy timber on the east, north, and west, bat open 
to the prairie en the south. 

It has fourteen stores, three groceries, three taverns, 
five lawyers, six physicians, various mechanics, a public 
land office for this district, and a printing office from 
which issues weekly the " Danville Enquirer, and 700 in- 
habitants. 

The Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians each have 
congregations. There are about 120 families. The coun- 
try around is populous, and rich land. 

Darwin, the seat of justice of Clark county. It is sit- 
uated on the Wabash, in section twenty-seven, ten north, 
eleven west from the second principal meridian, adjoining 
Walnut prairie, and contains about twenty families. 

Daviston Post Office is at the place where the base 
line of the fourth principal meridian crosses the dividing 
line of Adams and Schuyler counties, twenty-five miles 
south of west from Rushville on the road to Quincy. 

Dawson'^s G/'ouc, called sometimes " Old Town Timber,''^ 



OF ILLINOIS. 189 

in McLean county, twelve miles east from Bloomington, 
and at the heads of Kickapoo and Salt creek, in twenty- 
three north, and three and four east. The road from 
Pekin to Danville passes through this grove. It is long, 
and intersected with some harrens. Timber principally 
oak with some sugar maple. The prairie around it is very 
rich. 

Bead Mail's Grove, in Coles county, six miles west of 
Charleston. It is almost circular, about two miles in 
diameter, and contains three or four sections of indif- 
ferent timber, surrounded with a rich and undulating 
prairie, and is monopolised by two or three families. It 
receives its name from the circumstance of a man perish- 
ing here with cold several years since. The old Kickapoo 
towns were adjoining this grove. 

Deaton's Mill, one of the first settlements in Morgan 
county, on the Mauvaiseterre, three miles northwest from 
Jacksonville. Here is a steam mill and a large and flourish- 
in^ settlement. 

Deaiisix, a trifling stream, and branch of the Kas- 
kaskia river, in the southeastern part of St. Clair 
county. 

Deckcr^s Prairie, a small tract of second rate, undula- 
ting land, in Wabash county, twelve miles northeast from 
Mount Carniel, with about twenty-five families. 

Decatur, the seat of justice for Macon county, is situ- 
ated on the west side of the North Fork of Sangamon 
river, and on the borders of an extensive prairie. It is 
on the northeast quarter of section fifteen, in sixteen north, 
two east from the third principal meridian. It is dry, 
elevated, and bids fair for iiealth. The country around is 
elevated, rich, and has a fine settlement. 

Decatur has three stores, several mechanics and about 
thirt}' families. 

Delhi, a post office and town site in the south part 
of Greene county, 22 miles from CarroUton. It was form- 
erly called "Zii/'/on's." 

J)cs Plaines River [Riviere des Flaincs, Fr.] rises in 
the Wisconsin territory, a few miles above the boundary 



190 A GAZETTEER 

line of Illinois, and about six miles from lake Michigran. 
It runs a south course, generally over a bed of limestone 
rock, and forms one of the prominent branches of the Illi- 
nois river, by its junction with the Kankakee. 

Groves of timber are found on its banks, and interspersed 
through the vast prairie region. The country along its 
borders is rapid ly populating, notwithstanding the apparent 
deficiency of timber. 

In many places along the Des Plaines rock may be easily 
obtained both for fencing and building. The country is 
well watered, the streams perennial, and the soil rich, and 
covered with luxuriant herbage. It is frequently written 
and pronounced jIux Plaines or 0'' Plane. 

DeviPs Anvil is a singular rock, of considerable eleva- 
tion, and the top jutting over its base, near the road from 
Equality to Golconda. The surrounding country is very 
hilly, with rocky precipices, and exhibits all the desola- 
tion and wildness of a mountainous region. 

DeviPs Oven is a singular promontory of sand rock that 
projects into the Mississippi, in Jackson county, one mile 
above the Grand Tower. It has a cave resembling the 
mouth of a mammoth oven, to be seen from the river. 

Diamond Grove, a most beautiful tract of timber in 
Morgan county, two miles southwest from Jacksonville. 
It is elevated above the surrounding prairie, and con- 
tains 700 or 800 acres, and surrounded with beautiful 
farms. 

Diamond Grove Prairie, in Morgan county, south and 
adjacent to Jacksonville. It is four miles in extent, rich 
soil, undulating, dry surface, and mostly covered over with 
fine farms. 

Dickerson'^s Lake is in the Illinois bottom, in Morgan 
county, near the bluffs. 

Dillard's is a large settlement in Gallatin county, eight 
miles northwest of Shawneetown. The land generally is 
good. 

Dillon''s Post Office is in the town of Liberty, Tazewell 
county. Here is a large settlement called Dillon's. 



OF ILLINOIS. 191 

Dixon's Ferri/, and post office in Ogle county, on Rock 
river, on tlie stage road from Peoria to Galena. 

The country around is excellent, but there is a deficiency 
of timber for dense settlements. Formerly called 0^ Gee's 
Ferry. 

Dlxonville, a town site at Dixon's Ferry, on the south 
side of Rock river, in Ogle county. It contains 2 stores, 
2 taverns, 1 grocery, a steam saw mill, 10 or 12 families, 
and is a pleasant site. Here the stage roads from Chicago 
by Napiersville: — from Ottawa by Troy grove; — and from 
Peoria by Windsor and Princeton all concentrate, and pass 
into Galena. Rock river here is 206 yards wide and is 
crossed by a rope ferry boat. 

Dolsoii's Prairie is on the west side of Clark county, 
six miles wide, and twice as long, level, considerably wet 
and a rather thin and clay soil. 

DonoJiue's Settlement is in the northeast corner of Jef- 
ferson county, on Adams's creek, ten miles from Mount 
Vernon. It is mostly a timbered tract, and has twenty or 
thirty families. 

Downi7-ig's Settlement^ in Bond county, nine miles south 
of Greenville. It is on the waters of Beaver creek, and 
is well furnished with timber and prairie. 

Douglass, a post office on the east side of Macoupin 
county fifteen miles northeast from Carlinville. 

Dresden., a town site near the junction of the Des Plaines 
and Kankakee, and on the line of the canal. It has one store 
and two or three families. 

Drewr-ifs Creek, a branch of Crab Orchard. It rises 
in Union County, runs a devious course northeasterly 
into Jackson county, and has a settlement of fifteen or 
twenty families. The land timbered, and second rate 
soil. 

Driftwood, a post office in Iroquois county, on the road 
from Danville to Chicago. 

Drowning Fork, in McDonough county. It rises in the 
prairies six north, one west, runs a southwestern course, 
and uniting with other branches, forms Crooked creek. It 



192 A GAZETTEER 

has a large body of excellent timber, surrounded with 
extensive prairies. 

Dry Fork, a snnall stream in Macoupin county. It rises 
towards Cahokia creek, runs a northwesterly course, and 
enters the Macoupin above the forks. 

Dry Fork, a branch of Shoal creek, in the northwest part 
of Bond county. 

Dry Grove is a timbered tract in McLean county, in 
twenty-four north, one east, six miles north of west 
from Bloomington, and lies at the iiead of Sugar creek. 
It is about ten miles long, from east to west, high, dry, 
and undulating, and contains a settlement of about fifty 
families. 

Dry Point, a small branch of Lake Fork of the Ma- 
coupin. The head of the timber is well known on the old 
road from Edwardsville to Springfield, and is nine north, 
six west, nine miles southeast from Carlinville. 

Duck Grove, a small body of timber north of Holderman's 
Grove in La Salle county. 

Dudley'' s Settlement, in Coles county, seven or eight 
miles east from Charleston. 

Including Richwood'^s, a fine body of timber south, it is 
an excellent tract of country, and contains more than 120 
families. 

Duncanton, a post office in Mantua settlement, in the 
southwestern part of White county, on the mail road from 
McLeansboro' to Shawneetown. 

Du?iwoody^s Mill is on Indian creek, Morgan county, 
eight miles north of Jacksonville, 

Du Page, [_Riviere du Page, Fr.] a beautiful stream in 
Cook county. It rises in two forks, which unite in the 
settlement of Fountaindale. One fork rises near the Des 
Plaines, and runs a western course, and forms a junction 
with the other fork, which rises towards Fox river. After 
the junction it runs a southwestern course through groves 
and prairies, and enters the Des Plaines three miles above 
its junction with the Kankakee. There are larsfe settle- 
ments on this stream at Walker's grove and Fountain- 
dale. 



OF ILLINOIS. 193 

Dutch Church Creek, in Pike county, takes its name 
from a blafFof a singular shape resembling one of the an- 
tiquated buildings of New York in Knickerbocker's days. 
It rises in the interior, and enters Snycartee. 

l)utchman''s Creek, a small branch of Cash river, in 
Johnson county. The land on this creek is excellent, and 
the settlement extensive. 

Dutch Hill, a settlement in the southeast part of St. 
Clair county, and east of the Kaskaskia river. The land 
is good, and a mixture of timber and prairie. 

Dutch Settlement, in Union county, lies south and in 
the vicinity of Jonesboro'. The land is good, rolling, and 
well timbered. The settlement contains probably 200 
families and is watered by Clear creek. 

Eaturi's Mill, is noticed as the name of a settlement in 
Jasper county, near Crawford, on the west side of the 
North Fork of the Embarras. 

Eagle Creek, a small stream in Gallatin county. It 
rises in the interior, runs south, and enters the Saline creek 
near its mouth. Some broken, and some good land, and 
a large settlement are on this stream. 

Eagle Creek, or UAigle creek, in Monroe county, see 
Fountain Creek. 

Eagle Point, a post office in Macoupin county, 16 miles 
northwest from Carlinville. 

East Fork of Cash River rises in Johnson county, 
twelve south, three east, runs south, by Vincennes, and 
enters the main stream below the ^^ Scatters of Cash.''^ 
The land on this stream is excellent. The timber con- 
sists of cypress, cedar, walnut, oaks of various species, 
etc. 

East Fork of Kaskaskia River rises on the north side of 
Marion county, near the waters of the Little Wabash, 
runs west along the north part of Marion, crosses the 
northeast corner of Clinton, and enters the Kaskaskia, in 
the southwest corner of Fayette county. It has a heavy 
body of excellent timber on its banks; the prairies ad- 
joining are undulating and rich, and the settlements along 
this v^ater course are extensive. 
17 



194 A GAZETTEER 

East Fork of Shoal Creeks a stream and a settlement in 
the eastern part of Montgomery county. The stream 
rises in a large prairie in the northern portion of the county, 
runs southwestwardly, and enters the main creek near 
the south side of Bond county. The settlement extends 
along the timber which lines its banks and the land is 
tolerably level and fertile. 

East Fork of Silver Creek rises in the northeastern part 
of Madison county, and unites with the West or main fork 
a short distance below the Marine settlement. 

Edinburgh a town site in Sangamon county, in thirteen 
north, two west, 28 miles southeast from Springfield. 
Tiiree stores, one grocery, one tavern, and a dozen families, 
surrounded with an excellent country along the south fork 
of Sangamon river. 

Edmonson's Prairie, in McDonough count}^, six miles 
southwest from Macomb, is from one to two miles wide, 
ten miles long, and contains twenty-five or thirty fami- 
lies. 

Edwardsville, the seat of justice for Madison county, 
is situated on sections two, three, and eleven, of town- 
ship four north, in range eight west of the third principal 
meridian, twenty-one miles northeast from St. Louis, on 
the Springfield road, and twelve miles southeast from 
Alton. It has a court house and jail of brick, a land of- 
fice for Edwardsville district, seven stores, two taverns, 
two physicians, four lawyers, a castor oil factory, various 
mechanics, and about seventy families. Here is also an 
academy and a commodious building. The Baptists and 
Methodists each have houses of worship. The inhabi- 
tants are generally industrious, intelligent, moral, and a 
large proportion professors of religion. 

The location of Edwardsville is pleasant, on high 
ground, healthy, and in the centre of a fertile, vi^ell wa- 
tered, and w^ell limbered country, settled with enterprising 
farmers. It is in latitude thirty-eight degrees forty-five 
minutes north. 

Edivards^s Settlement is in the north part of Pike county, 
on McRaney's creek. 



OF ILLINOIS. 195 

Edwards River rises in the prairies of Henry county, 
fifteen norili, four east, runs west through Mercer coun- 
ty, where it turns south and enters the Mississippi near 
the Upper Yellow Banks. The country on this river is 
undulatinjr, the timber in skirts and groves, the prairies 
large, and a supply of good water. 

Eight Mile Prairie, in the southwest corner of Frank- 
lin county, eighteen miles southwest from Frankfort, 
level, and has a dense population. It is from one to two 
miles in diameter. 

Elbridge Post office, in Edgar county, 10 miles from 
Paris, on the road to Terre Haute. 

Elgin, a town site on Fox river, in the south part of 
McHenry county. 

Ellisville, in Fulton county, on the west side of Spoon 
river, near the north side of seven north, two east. It 
has three stores, one tavern, a mill and a dozen families. 

A large prairie lies west. The land on the river is 
rather broken and timbered. 

Situation twenty miles northwest from Lewistown. 

Ellison, a small stream that rises in the prairies of War- 
ren county, runs west, and enters the Mississippi six miles 
below Henderson river. It has a fine settlement, and a 
rich body of land on its banks. 

Elkheart Grove, in Sangamon county, north of Sanga- 
mon river, and about twenty miles northeast from Spring- 
field, in eighteen north, three west. It is a beautiful 
grove of timber, containing six or seven hundred acres, on 
the right hand of the great road leading to Peoria, Ottawa, 
and Chicago. The timber is oak, walnut, linden, hickory, 
sugar tree, etc. 

The prairie adjoining is rich soil, rather wet, and fur- 
nishes fine summer and winter range for cattle. 

Several families are settled here. 

Elkhorn, a stream that rises in Washington county, 
south of Nashville, runs northwest, and enters the Kas- 
kaskia river. The country on its borders is tolerably 
level, and has a large settlement. A post office is here. 

Elkhorn Grove is in Jo Daviess county, west of Buffa- 



196 A GAZETTEER 

loe grove. It is nine miles long-, and from one to three 
miles wide. A beautiful prairie surrounds it, and Elkhoni 
creek passes tlirough it. 

Elkhorn Creek, in Jo Daviess county. It rises near 
Red Oak grove, passes through Elkhorn grove, runs south- 
west, and enters Rock river twenty miles below Dixon's 
ferry. 

Here is a beautiful country, and the timber in groves. 

Elk Prairie lies between the little Muddy and Beaucoup 
creeks, in Perry county, and is about five miles in extent. 
It is dry and tolerably level; soil second rate, and the 
settlement contains about twenty-five families. 

Elm River, a branch of the Little Wabash. It rises in 
two heads, in the Twelve Mile prairie, in Clay county, 
north of the Vincennes road, and takino- a southeastern 
direction, enters the Little Wabash in Wayne county. 
The west branch of Elm river bears the name of Racoon 
creek. 

Eniharras River, (pronounced Emhroy in Fr.) a consi- 
derable stream in the eastern part of the state. It rises 
in Champaign county, eighteen north, nine east, near the 
sources of the Kaskaskia, the two Vermilions, and the 
Sangamon rivers. It runs south through Coles county, re- 
ceives several smaller streams, enters Jasper, turns south- 
east across a corner of Crawford, passes through Lawrence 
county, and enters the Big Wabash, about six miles be- 
low Vincennes. The country on the Embarras is various, 
thouo-Ji there is much "food land. Towards its head the 
prairie greatly predominates, the timber being in groves, 
and narrow strips along its banks. In Coles county, north 
of Charleston, the timber is from two to six miles wide. 
Below that place it gradually widens to the distance of 
eight or ten miles. 

It consists of the various qualities common on this side 
of the state. Generally the prairies through which 
it flows are second rale for more than half its length 
from its mouth. Its bottoms are inundated in very high 
floods. The main stream and its branches afford many 
good mill seats. From the vicinity of Lawrenceville to 



OF ILLINOIS. 197 

Vincennes, in high freshets, the Embarras and Big "Wa- 
bash unite their waters and spread over the country for 
seven or eight miles in extent. Hence, fronn this occa- 
sional obstruction to travelling on the old " Vincennes 
trace,''^ as the obscure path through the prairies to Kas- 
kaskia was then called, the early French explorers gave 
the name " Embarras^^ to this stream. 

Embarras, a town site in Coles county, one half mile 
east of the Embarras river, at the junction of the national 
road and tbe road from Palestine to Shelbyville, twenty 
miles south of Charleston, and fifty-two miles east of 
Vandalia. Good springs of water, high, rich, undulating 
prairie, and abundance of fine timber are said to belong to 
the conveniences of this location. 

Embarras Settlement, in Coles county. I have given 
this name to an extensive tract of country thinly populated, 
extending along the west side of the Embarras, and north 
of Charleston. The quality of the land is on a medium 
with the rest of Coles county. South of Charleston, and 
on the same side, the country is thinly settled. 

Eminence, a town site near Sugar creek in Tazewell 
county. 

Emmettsburg, a Roman Catholic Irish and German set- 
tlement, or hamlet, on the line of the canal, eight miles 
above Juliet. 

English Settlement is in Morgan county, west of Jack- 
sonville, on Cadwell's, Walnut and Plum creeks. There 
are about one hundred families, mostly from Yorkshire, 
England, and farmers. They appear to be well pleased 
with the country, and to be accumulating property. 

English Settlement, in the east part of Monroe county, 
is on Prairie de Long creek, in township three south, 
eight west. It contains about forty families, amongst 
whom are a number of English Catholics. 

Equality, the seat of justice for Gallatin county, si- 
tuated on the north side of Saline creek, on section fifteen, 
nine south, eight east. It has nine stores, four groceries, 
two taverns, a brick court house forty feet square, two 
stories high, and neatly finished, a number of mechanics 

17* 



198 A GAZETTEER 

of different trades, and about seventy or eighty fannilics. 
It is situated in the vicinity of the salt manufactories, 
fourteen nniles south of Shawneetown. 

The adjacent courtry soutii and west is broken and 
roug-h; north and east is much good land. 

Elvira Settlement, in Johnson county, on Lick crceJc, a 
branch of Cash river. It is about fifteen miles northwest 
from Vienna, and contains thirty or forty families. The 
land is rich and level. 

Essex's Settlement, in the forks of Spoon river, in the 
western part of Putnam county, townships twelve and 
thirteen north, in range six east from the fourth principal 
meridian. The surface is undulating, excellent timber, 
rich prairie, good water, stone quarries, a saw and grist 
mill, and about fifty families. The post office is called 
Wyoming. 

Estes'^s Frairie, in Franklin county, fourteen miles north 
of Frankfort, is level, dry, and has a thin population on 
its borders, 

Evmi^s Settlement, on the north side, and near the head 
of Cash river, and on the eastern border cf Union county. 
It has about forty families. 

EwiNGTON, the seat of justice of Effingham county, is 
situated on the national road, twenty-nine miles from 
Vandalia, in a northeastern direction, on the west bank 
of the Little Wabash river, and on section five, seven 
north, five east. The site is elevated, and surrounded 
with timber. Opposite is the bottom land of the Little 
Wabash, about one fourth or a mile wide, and in hioh 
floods occasionally inundated. Ev.-ington will probably 
become a pleasant village, though but little improvement 
is yet made. 

Eiuing''s Fork, a branch of the Middle Fork of the Big 
Muddy river, in Franklin county. 

Exeter, a town site and post office on the Mauvaiseterre, 
in Morgan county, fourteen miles west of Jacksonville. 
It has a large flouring mill, two or three stores, and about 
fifteen families, and is surrounded with a large settle- 
ment. 



OF ILLINOIS. 199 

Eyman's Settlement^ in St. Clair county, four miles 
southwest of Belleville — a mixture of timber and prai- 
rie. 

Fairfield, ttie seat of justice for Wayne county, is on 
the border of Margrave's prairie, on section six, tow^nship 
two south, rang-e eight east. It contains three stores, one 
tavern, a handsome brick court house, and about twenty- 
five families. Large quantities of castor oil are manufac- 
tured at a press located here, belonging to Messrs. Leech 
& Turney. 

Fairfield is a small but pleasant settlement in the 
northwestern part of Hancock county, in seven north, 
eight west. 

Fairfield d. town site in Adams county, on section eleven, 
township one north, range eight west, and has 10 or 12 
families surrounded with a large settlement called Bear 
creek. 

Fair Mounts a pleasant siuation in the Macoupin prai- 
rie, Greene county, sixteen miles a little west of south 
from Carroll ton. 

Fall Creek is a small stream in Adams county, eight 
miles long, which enters the Mississippi a few miles be- 
low Quincy. 

Fancy Creek, a small branch of the Sangamon river. 
It rises in the prairies, takes a westerly course, and enters 
the river below the junction of the North and South Forks. 
The country is level, and the population considerable. 

Fancy Farm, a post office in Franklin county, 9 miles 
east-southeast from Frankfort. 

Fanning's C'-eek, a small branch of Apple creek, eight 
or ten miles long, in Morgan county, and has a dense 
population of about two hundred families. 

Farm Creek, a small stream in Tazewell county, that 
runs west and enters the Illinois river opposite Peoria. 
Its bottoms are rich, bluffs broken, with white oak timber, 
and occasionally cedar. It is a mill stream. 

Farmington, a town site and post office in the northeast 
corner of Fulton county, on the road from Canton to 
Knoxville. Elegant, rich, and rolling prairie around. 



200 A GAZETTEER 

Fayetle, a town site and post office in Greene county, 
adjoining Macoupin county, on sections twelve and liiir- 
teen, township ten north, ten west, and on the road from 
Alton to Jacksonville. It has two stores and several fa- 
milies. 

Fayettevllle, a town site on the west side of the Kaskas- 
kia river in t)t. Clair county, 16 miles southeast from 
Belleville, long known as Pulliam's ferry. It is on ele- 
vated ground and a good situation for a town site. 

Fever River, in Jo Daviess county, rises near the Platte 
Mounds in two branches, the East and West forks, runs 
a southwesterly course past Galena, and enters the Mis- 
sissippi seven miles south of that place. It is navigable 
at all times to Galena by steamboats of any size, and in 
high water, two miles above. For this distance it is deep 
and sluggish. 

The stream above Galena runs with a swift current 
over a rocky and gravelly bottom, is full of fine fish, and, 
like all the streams in this region, it is fed with peren- 
nial springs. 

In the East Fork settlement, which is twelve miles east 
from Galena, the timber is scarce, but there is much ex- 
cellent prairie, and the lead mines are the best in Illinois. 
Population of farmers and miners about fifty families. 

On the West Fork or main creek is a considerable set- 
tlement, and some good farms. The alluvion on the 
stream is fine, and a tolerable supply of timber. This 
settlement is eight miles in a direct course, and twelve 
miles the travelled way, northeast from Galena. 

Fever river has been incorrectly called Bean river 
(Riviere au Feve, Fr.) We have given its proper name 
from two traditionary accounts. 

The first is, that in early times the Indians were car- 
ried off by a mortal sickness, supposed to be the small 
pox. This circumstance gave rise to the name of another 
creek now called Small Pox. The other tradition, and 
the correct one is, that it derived its name from a French 
trader by the name of Le Fevre, who settled near its 
mouth. 



OF ILLINOIS. 201 

Fincli's Settlement is on a branch of the South Fork of 
Spoon river, in the southwestern part of Knox county. 

Five Mile Grove is in the south part of Cook county, 
on tlie road from Hickory creek to Kankakee and Dan- 
ville. 

Flag Creek^ a trifling stream in Cook county, that rises 
in the prairie between Du Page and Des Plaines, runs 
easterly, and enters Des Plaines below the road from 
Plainfield to Chicago. The land on its borders rather 
wet. 

Flat Branch rises in Shelby county, runs northward, 
and empties into the South fork of Sangamon, in the 
northwest corner of the county. The country prairie 
and timber, and a settlement of seventy or eighty fami- 
lies. The bed of the stream is rock3^ 

Flat Prairie, a well cultivated prairie and large settle- 
ment in Randolph county, twenty miles east of Kaskas- 
kia, settled chiefly by Reformed Presbyterians, or Cove- 
nanters, who have a resident minister and a respectable 
society. 

Flora, a post office in Edgar county, 8 miles east of 
Paris. 

Floria, a town site and settlement in Putnam county, 5 
milps east of Hennepin — a delightful situation. 

Furd'^s Ferry, in Gallatin county, on the Ohio, twenty 
miles below Shawneetown, and twenty-five miles south 
of Equality. It is on the great road from the southern 
parts of Kentucky and Tennessee to Illinois and Mis- 
souri. 

Forked Creek, a small creek in Will county, and branch 
of the Kankakee. 

A post office of the same name is on it. 

Forks of Sangamon is the name given to the settlement 
near the junction, and between the North and South forks 
of the Sangamon river. It is eight or ten miles south 
of Springfi!-ld. The surface is rather wet, level, consi- 
derable prairie land, with large bodies of timber on both 
streams. Here is a large settlement, and a town has 
been laid oflT, called Bolive. 



202 A GAZETTEER 

Fork Prairie^ in Bond county, between the forks of 
Shoal creek, and from two to eight miles north of Green- 
ville. It is gently undulating, and surrounded with set- 
tlements. 

Furk Sdlhment., in Clinton county, between Shoal 
creek and the Kaskaskia river, twelve miles southwest- 
erly from Oariyle. 

Forks of Spoon River. These are two principal branches 
that form the heads of this stream, and which for distil c- 
tion I shall call the East and West forks. 

The East Fork rises in fifteen north, six east, runs 
south, through townships fourteen, thirteen, and twelve, 
of the same range, where it turns west, and meets the 
West fork, receiving in its course a number of smaller 
streams. There is much excellent land on this fork and 
its branches; prairie predominates, but it is generally 
dry and rich, with groves and points of timber, and many 
fine springs. 

The JVest Fo7-k, rises in the southeast part of Henry 
county, in township fourteen north, five east, runs a 
southeasterly course, and unites with the East fork near 
the tuwnship line between four and five east. The coun- 
try adjoining is similar to that on the East fork, except 
that the surface is more undulating. The timber is good, 
and in considerable bodies. Near the junction of these 
streams is much excellent timber, with a strip of fertile 
prairie between. Here is a considerable settlement, a 
grist and saw mill, and a post office. It is sometimes 
called Essex''s Settlement. 

Fort Chartres was a large stone fort, bnilt by the French, 
while in possession of Illinois. It is situated half a mile 
from the Mississippi, and three miles from Prairie dii 
Rocher, in the northwestern part of Randolph county. 

It was originally built by the French in 1720, to defend 
themselves against the Sjianiards, who were then taking 
possession of the country on the Mississippi. It was 
rebuilt in 1756. The circumstances, character, form and 
history of this fort are interesting, but I have not room 
in this place to give them. Once it was a most formida- 



OF ILLINOIS. 203 

Lie piece of masonry, the materials of which were brought 
three or four miles from the bluffs. It \<'as originally 
an irregular quadrangle, the exterior sides of which were 
490 feet in circumference. Within the walls were the 
commandant's and commissary's houses, a magazine for 
stores, barracks, powder magazine, bake house, guard 
house and prison. 

This prodigious military work is now a heap of ruins. 
Many of the hewn stones have been removed by the people 
to Kaskaskia. A slough from the Mississippi approached 
and undermined the wall on one side in 1772. Over the 
whole fort is a considerable growth of trees, and most of 
its walls and buildings have fallen down and lie in one 
promiscuous ruin. 

Fort Edwards is situated on the Mississippi in the 
southern part of Hancock county, five miles below the 
foot of the Lower rapids, and directly opposite the mouth 
of the river Des Moines. This was a military post till 
within a few years past, situated on a high rocky bluff of 
sand stone, which does not show itself on the surface. 

The country back is well timbered for a short distance, 
lis of good soil and is now partially settled. Native alum 
is said to be found in considerable quantities near this 
site. Opposite the water is deep, the current gentle, and 
affords a good landing. When the river is low this will 
be the place to which the produce of the interior will be 
brought. A town called Warsaw is near this place. 

Fort Massac^ formerly a military post, situated on the 
Ohio river, on the dividing line of Johnson and Pope coun- 
ties, eight miles below Paducah at the mouth of the Ten- 
nessee. " A fort was erected here by the French when in 
possession of the western c;ountry. The Indians, then at 
war with them, laid a curious stratagem to take it. A 
number of them appeared in the day time on the opposite 
side of the river, each of whom was covered with a bear 
skin and walked on all fours. Supposing them to be 
bears, a party of the Ib'rench crossed the river in pursuit of 
them. The remainder of the troops left their quarters to 
see the sport. 



204 A GAZETTEER 

"In the mean time a large body of warriors, who were 

concealed in ►he woods near by, came silently behind the 

fort, entered it without opposition, and very few of the 

French escaped the massacre. They afterwards built 

,^ another fort on the same ground and called it Massac^ in 

^- * memory of this disastrous event."* 

In 1750 they abandoned the position. After the revo- 
lutionary war the Americans repaired or rebuilt it, and 
kept a garrison here for several years. The buildings 
are now destroyed. According to Ellicott, the latitude 
of Fort Massac is 37 degrees 15 minutes north. 

Fosfer''s Settlement^ in the southeast corner of McDo- 
nough county, on the head of Sugar creek. 

Foster^s Settlement, of sixty or seventy families, lies on 
Mounse's creek, five miles south of Decatur. 

Fountain Creek, a small stream in Monroe county. It 
rises in New Design settlement, running first northeast, 
then northwest, and finally bending round to the south- 
west it enters the Mississippi river in section seven, tliree 
south, eleven west. It is also called Eagle^ and by the 
early French explorers, UAigle creek. 

Fountain Bluff, frequently called the " Big Hill,'' in 
Jackson county. It is a singularly formed eminence, or 
rocky bluff on the Mississippi, six miles above the mouth 
of the Big Muddy river. It is of an oval shape, eight 
miles in circumference, and with an elevation of 300 feet. 
The western side is on the river, and the top is broken, 
full of sink holes, with shrubs and scattering timber. 
The north side is nearly perpendicular rock, but the south 
side is sloping, and ends in a fine rich tract of soil, cover- 
ed with farms. East is an extensive and low bottom with 
lakes and swamps. 

Fine springs of limpid water gush out from the foot of 
this bluff on all sides. 

North, and along the bank of the Mississippi, is dry 
and rich alluvion with a line of farms, known by the name 
of the "Settlement under the Bluff." 

* See Beck's Gazetteer, Art. Fort JWzssac; and Stoddard's 
Sketches of Louisiana. , 



OF ILLINOIS. 205 

Founfatndak, a flourishing- settlement in the forks of 
the Du Page, Cook county, thirty miles west of Chicago. 
Here are perennial springs, beautiful timber, rich soil, 
extensive prairies, and good society of industrious and 
enterprising farmers. The Methodists and Presbyterians 
have congregations and constant preaching. 

Fountain Green^) a town site and post office in Hancock 
county, on section twenty-eight, township six north, range 
live west, ten miles northeast from Carthage. A flourish- 
ing settlement. 

Four Mile Prairie^ in Perry county, adjoining Pinck- 
neyville, is seven miles long, and four miles wide. It is 
an elevated, dry, undulating, and fertile tract, with a 
dense settlement, and lies between the Big Beaucoup and 
Little Elm creeks. 

Fourteen Mile Prairie, in Effingham county, receives its 
name from its distance along the national road. It lies 
east of E wington, is generally level, but has some dry land 
and good points of timber. 

Fox River, one of the principal branches of the Illinois. 
It rises in the Wisconsin territory, passes through a 
series of small lakes about the boundary line, and enters 
the Illinois river at Ottawa. 

Its general course is south. At the boundary line its 
width is forty-five yards. 

Several bodies of fine timber line its banks, especially 
about the mouth oi Indian Creek and the Big Woods. At 
the rapids, five miles above its mouth, are most extensive 
water privileges. 

Here the river is from eighty to one hundred yards 
wide, with the bed and banks of coarse grained sand 
stone. The rapids are sixteen feet descent, and both 
sides of the river will admit of mills and machinery for 
three-fourths of a mile, with inexhaustible supplies of 
water. 

The deficiency of timber near this spot is the only draw- 
back upon it; but inexhaustible bodies of coal are to be 
found but a few miles distant. 

It furnishes a vast amount of water power, and can be 
18 



206 A GAZETTEER 

easily made navigable by dams and slack water. From 
the town of Elgin near the south part of McHenry county, 
it is a deep sluggish stream, connected with a string of 
lakes, and is navigable within fifteen miles of Milwau- 
kee. Hence, with small expense, a navigable communi- 
cation may be opened from Lake Michigan by Milwaukee 
and Fox river. 

Fox River, a tributary of the Little Wabash, dividing 
the counties of Clay and Lawrence. It rises in Jasper 
county, runs south, and enters the Little Wabash near the 
line of Edwards county. The land along its course is 
about second quality for tliis portion of the state. 

Fox River, in the northeastern part of White county. 
It is a bayou that puts out from the Big Wabash, runs a 
few miles, and again enters that river. The late Morris 
Birbeck, Esq., known as one of the English emigrants 
to Edwards county, and aulhor of ^^ Letters from Illinois,^* 
was unfortunately drowned in attempting to swim this 
stream on horseback. 

Fox River post office, is near Fox river in White county. 

Frakers^a small settlement between the forks of Spoon 
river, and the borders of Henry county, thirteen north, 
four east. 

Franklin Grove, in Ogle county, lies between Grand De- 
tour and Winnebago inlet with seven or eight families 
settled around it. 

Frankfort is the seat of justice for Franklin county, 
on section twenty, seven south, three east of the third 
principal meridian. 

It is situated on elevated ground, and has five stores, 
two groceries, one tavern, with a blacksmith, wagon- 
maker, saddler, and tanyard, together with a horse mill, 
a distillery, and 150 inhabitants. 

Franklin, a town site and post office in Morgan county, 
thirteen miles southeast from Jacksonville. It has two 
stores, one grocery and twenty families. 

Frazier^s Creek rises near the base line, in Adams 
county, runs west, and falls into the south prong of Bear 
creek. Along it are fine farms and a beautiful country. 



OF ILLINOIS. 207 

Frte!s Settlement is on the borders of a handsome prai- 
rie, in the southeastern part of St. Clair county, be- 
tween the two Mud creeks, eighteen rniles from Belle- 
ville. 

French Grove, in Putnam county, sixteen north, seven 
east — a small grove settled around; prairie dry and undu- 
lating. 

French Grove, a small settlement in the northwestern 
part of Peoria county, on the branches of Spoon river. 
It contains three or four sections of excellent timber 
in groves, with abundance of rich, dry rolling prairie 
around it. 

French Settlement, in the southeastern part of Lawrence 
county, ten miles from Lawrenceville, is a timbered tract, 
and rather broken. Of the population, which consists of 
sixty families, about one half are French. 

French Village, in St. Clair county, called formerly 
Little French Village, was formed by settlers from Ca- 
hokia about forty years since. It lies on the bottom, 
near the bluffs, on the road from Belleville to St. Louis, 
and contains fifteen or twenty families. 

Friends Creek, a branch of the North fork of Sangamon, 
in Macon county, sixteen miles northeast from Decatur. 
The land is good, and the settlement large. 

Funk's Grove, a settlement in McLean county, twelve 
miles southwest from Blooniington. The grove is round- 
ish in form, contains about eight square miles; and lies 
on the main branch of Sugar creek. It has an excellent 
soil, fine water, and is monopolised by a family connec- 
tion of the name of Funk, from Ohio, who raise large 
numbers of cattle. 

Fulfer^'s Creek, near the south border of Effingham 
county, enters the Little Wabash below Brockett's set- 
tlement. There is a considerable quantity of good land 
on its banks, and a settlement of twelve or fifteen fami- 
lies. 

Fulton, a town site at the mouth of the Ohio river, 
•where it is contemplated to erect a monument to the me- 
mory of Robert Fulton, whose inventive powers in the 



208 A GAZETTEER 

appl'cation of steam to navirration is fast transforming 
the immense regions of the valley of the Mississippi into 
the garden of the world. 

Mercantile enterprise will undoubtedly yet triumph 
over the obstructions of nature, and erect a spacious city 
at the mouth of the Ohio river. 

Gagnie^ a sluggish stream that runs southwest into the 
Mississippi, and forms the boundary line between Ran- 
dolph and Jackson counties. 

Galena is the seat of justice for Jo Daviess county, 
and the principal town in the lead mine country. It is 
pleasantly situated on Fever river, and on the fourth 
principal meridian. It has eighteen or twenty stores, a 
dozen groceries, four taverns and hotels, a printing office 
that publishes the " Gaze//e," a weekly paper, four law- 
yers, three physicians, two schools, two preachers, a 
pipe and sheet lead manufactory, a flour and saw mill, 
a gunsmith, silversmith, saddler, tailor, several carpenters, 
blacksmiths, brick and stone masons, etc. 

There are about three hundred families and ten or 
twelve hundred inhabitants. Fever river is navigable 
for steamboats to the town. 

Gap Grove^ lies in Ogle county, to the north of the road 
from Dixonville to Buffaloe grove. Three sections of 
timber. 

Garden Prairie^ between Richland and Rock creeks, in 
Sangamon county, is a level, rich, beautiful prairie, two 
miles wide, and six or eight miles long, fourteen miles 
northwesterly from Springfield, and contains a ])opulation 
of one hundred and fifty families. 

Germany^ a settlement of Pennsylvania Germans, in 
Sangamon county, four miles northeast from Springfield, 
and near the mouth of Sugar creek. 

Geneva is a post office and town site in Morgan county, 
about ten miles southwest from Jacksonville. 

Gcorge^s Creek heads in the interior of Johnson county, 
runs south, and enters the ponds between the Big Bay 
creek and Cash river. The land is tolerably rich, and 
the settlement contains twenty-five or thirty families. 



OF ILLINOIS. 209 

Georgetown^ a post town and village, containing about 
twenty families and three stores, situated on the north 
side of the Little Vermilion, in eighteen north, eleven 
west, in Vermilion county, ten miles south of Danville. 
A fine country, and flourishing settlements around it. 

Georgetown^ a town site in Sangamon county, twenty 
miles northeast from Springfield, betweeu Lake fork and 
Salt creek, in section nineteen, eighteen north, two west. 

Georgetown^ in the eastern part of Randolph county, 
contains one store, two groceries, a mill, and seven or 
eight families. The post office is called ^^ Steele\^ Mill." 

Gilead, the former seat of justice of Calhoun county, 
is situated at the foot of the bluflTs, three-fourths of a mile 
from the mouth of Salt Prairie slough, on section eight, 
eleven south, two west. 

It has two stores, and a dozen families. 

Gilhani's Settlement is in Bond county, nine miles east 
of north from Greenville. 

The land is of inferior quality, consisting of both timber 
and prairie. 

Gilmore''s Settlement is on Crooked creek, in Clinton 
county, on the road to Shawneetown, twelve miles south- 
east of Carlyle. 

Girard, a town site in the northeast part of Macoupin 
county, on the road from Alton to Springfield. 

GoLcoNPA is situated on the south side of Lusk's creek 
and north bank of the Ohio. It is the county seat of Pope, 
and has three stores, one grocery, two taverns, and about 
twenty dwelling houses, chiefly framed and brick. The 
court house is of brick, thirty-six feet square, two stories, 
with a neat cupola. It is situated on the fractional town- 
ship thirteen south, in range seven east of the third prin- 
cipal meridian. 

Goose Creek enters the North fork of Sangamon, in 
Macon county, twenty-five miles northeast from Decatur. 

Goshen is the oldest settlement in Madison county, 
along the bluflfs, west aud sonthwest of Edwardsville, 

G ruble'' s Settlement^ in Gallatin county, is sixteen miles 
west from Equality, on the road to Frankfort. 

18* 



210 A GAZETTEER 

It is a large settlement, with considerable tracts of good 
farming land. 

GrahanCs Settlement^ in Alexander county, on the 
north side, twenty-five miles northwest from America. 
The upland is thin soil, but there is a rich bottom on a 
branch of Cash river, which runs through this settle- 
ment. 

Graftoyi is a town recently laid off, two rniles below 
the mouth of the Illinois, in Greene county. It is si- 
tuated on a strip of elevated land, under the bluffs, and 
on the banks of the Mississippi, and has a good land- 
ing. It is on fractional section fifteen, township eight 
north, in range twelve west t''rom tlie third principal meri- 
dian. 

Several Islands in the Mississippi make this point the 
real junction of the Illinois and Mississi])pi rivers, as to 
navigation. 

The country a few miles back is rich, and becoming 
densely populated. 

Grafton is twenty-four miles from Carrollton, and ten 
miles from St. Charles, in Missouri, and must soon become 
a thoroughfare for travelling from the Sangamon country 
across the Mississippi \o St. Charles, and the regions 
along the Missouri river. It has a post office, several 
stores and warehouses, 400 or 500 inhabitants, and pro- 
mises to be a place of considerable business. A cliarter 
for a rail road from this place through Carrollton to Spring- 
field has been obtained, the company organised and a por- 
tion of the stock taken. A chartered company are about 
to erect a splendid hotel, and a printing office is to be es- 
tablished here in a few weeks and a weekly paper issued. 

Grand Cote, an eminence in a large prairie, in the eastern 
part of Randolph county. 

Grand Detour, a singular bend in Rock river, in Ogle 
county, five miles above Dixonville. Here a town of the 
same name has been laid off, and by cutting a canal across 
the neck of the bend for a short distance, a valuable hy- 
draulic power will be gained. An enterprising company 
are engaged in the project. 



OF ILLINOIS. 211 

Grand Maraisj called also Clear LaJte, in St. Clair 
county in the bottom, between the French Village and 
Cahokia. 

Grand Passe, two lakes in the Illinois bottoni, at the 
southwest corner of Greene county, so called by the 
French explorers of Illinois, from the successive flocks 
of geese seen flying from the one to the other. They 
are connected with Apple creek by a stream called 
Fishing creek. 

Granger'' s Prairie is in the northwest part of Adams 
county, and is three miles long and from one and a half to 
mile wide. Very rich land. 

Grand Point, a small stream and settlement in Wash- 
ington county, six miles northeast from New Nashville, 
and contains about twenty families. The creek runs north 
and enters Crooked ceek. 

Grand Prairie. Under this general name is embraced 
the prairie country lying between the waters which fall 
into the Mississippi, and those which enter the Wabash 
rivers. It does not consist of one vast tract, boundless 
to the vision, and uninhabitable for want of limber; but 
is made up of continuous tracts, with points of timber 
projecting inward, and long arms of prairie extending 
between the creeks and smaller streams. The southern 
points of the Grand prairie are formed in the northeastern 
parts of Jackson county, and extend in a northeastern 
course between the streams of various widths, from one 
to ten or twelve miles, through Perry, Washington, Jef- 
ferson, Marion, the eastern part of Fayette, Effingham, 
through the western portion of Coles, into Champaign 
and Iroquois counties, where it becomes connected with 
the prairies that project eastward from the Illinois river 
and its tributaries. A large arm lies in Marion county, 
between the waters of Crooked creek and the East fork 
of the Kaskaskia river, where the Vincennes road passes 
througli in its longest direction. This is frequently called 
the Grand prairie. 

Much the largest part of the Grand prairie is gently 
undulating; but of the southern portion considerable tracts 



212 A GAZETTEER 

are flat, and of rather inferior soil. No insurmountable 
obstacle exists to its future population. No portion of it 
is more than six or eight miles distant from timber, and 
coal in abundance is found in various parts. Those who 
have witnessed the changes produced upon a prairie sur- 
face within twenty or thirty years, consider these extensive 
prairies as offering no serious impediment to the future 
growth of the state. 

Grand Prairie^ in Crawford county. The tract of prairie 
between the Embarras and Wabash rivers, commencing 
in Crawford county, and running northward through Clark 
and Edgar into Vermilion county, is called Grand prai- 
rie, by the citizens of those courities. It is not of great 
width, interspersed with long points of timber on the 
streams, and frequently throwinj out arms of prairie land 
between those streams. 

The prairie soil in this region is not equal in quality to 
that further north and west. With the exception of the 
sand prairies along the Wabash, the soil is thinner, less 
undulating, and more inclined to be wet. 

Grand Tower, a perpendicular sand rock rising from the 
bed of the Mississippi, near the Missouri side, and a short 
distance above the mouth of Big Muddy river. The top 
is level, seventy or eighty feet high, and supports a stratum 
of soil on which are found a few stunted cedars and 
shrubs. Here are indications that a barrier of rock once 
extended across the Mississippi, and formed a grand 
cataract. The bed of the river, at a low stage of water 
still exhibits a chain of sunken rocks. The '■''Devils Tea 
Tahle^^'' '''• Back Bone,'''* etc. are names given by the boat- 
men of the Mississippi to the singularly formed, abrupt, 
and romantic precipices that line the banks of that river in 
the vicinity of the Grand Tovi'er. 

Grand View, a village in the southwestern part of Edgar 
county, ten miles from Paris, and on the state road to 
Vandalia. It is on, and surrounded by a beautiful, rolling 
rich prairie, near the head waters of Big creek. A post 
office is here. 



OF ILLINOIS. 213 

Grassy Creek, in Franklin county, a branch of Crab 
Orchard. Good land. 

Graysville, a town of fifteen or twenty fannilies and a 
convenient landing- on the Big Wabash, in the northeast 
corner of While county, and at the mouth of the Bon Pas 
creek. 

It has 3 stores, 1 grocery, 2 taverns, one steam saw and 
grist mill and 100 inhabitants. Exports about ^100,000; 
imports, ^30,000 per annum. 

This is a convenient place of deposit for Edwards 
county. 

Gregory^s Settlement^ in Clinton county, fifteen miles 
northwest of Carlyle. 

Green Plains, a post office and settlement, in Hancock 
county 8 miles southeast of Warsaw. 

Greenfield, a town site near Lick creek, in Sangamon 
count}'^, fifteen miles southwesterly from Springfield on 
sections three and ten, fourteen north, seven west, Here- 
dith's mills are in the-vicinity. 

Greenfield, a town site in Green county, in String 
prairie, 10 miles east from Carrollton. It has two stores, 
a carding machine and a dozen families. 

Greenfield^ a town site in Putnam county, near the 
head of the Bureau timber, on section twenty-four, eighteen 
north, ten east. It has half a dozen houses. 

Greenup, a town site and post office, on the National 
Road east of the Embarras, in Coles county. It has 
2 stores, 2 saw and one grist mill and about 20 families. 

Greenville, the seat of justice for Bond county, is a 
pleasant village on the East fork of Shoal creek, on sec- 
tion ten, township five north, in range three west of the 
third principal meridian. 

It has 4 stores, 3 taverns, 3 physicians, 1 lawyer, va- 
rious mechanics, and 200 inhabitants. The court house 
is a two story frame building, unfinished. 

Green's Settlement, in Bond county, seven miles south- 
west from Greenville. The country around is proportioned 
into timber and prairie. 

Green River has its rise in the Winnebasfo and other 



214 A GAZETTEER 

swamps in Ogle and Henry counties, runs a west course 
tlirough Henry county, and enters Rock river in township 
seventeen nortii, one west. It is a deep sluggish stream 
well adapted to navigation and below the swamps has 
much fine land both timber and prairie. 

Griggsville, a town site and post office in Pike county, 
eight miles northeast from Pittsfield, on sections fifteen and 
twenty-two, four south, three west. It is four miles west 
of Phillip's ferry on the Illinois river, on high ground, and 
on the border of a large, undulating prairie, and surround- 
ed with good settlements. 

Grindstone ForJe, a branch of Crooked creek, in the south 
part of McDonough county. 

Griswold's Post Office is in Lockwood's settlement, 
Hamilton county, twenty miles north of Equality. 

Gros Point is a promontory that puts into Lake Michi- 
gan, twelve miles above Chicago. It is twenty feet high, 
projects two hundred yards into the lake, rich, timbered 
land, and settled around. 

Groveland, a post office and town site, in Tazewell coun- 
ty, on section twenty-seven, township twenty-five north, 
range five west, and on the road from Springfield to Pe- 
oria. 

h Guilford, the new county seat of Calhoun county, is 
situated on the west side of the Illinois river, in fractional 
township eleven south, two west, one mile below and oj)- 
posite the mouth of the Macoupin. It has been recently 
laid oflf and is said to be well situated for business pur- 
poses. 

A company has been chartered to cut a canal from the 
Mississippi near Gilead, the former seat of justice, to the 
Illinois river at Guilford. The distance does not exceed 
three miles, and by tunneling a short distance under the 
bluff, it is said the work can be accomplished, and a 
steamboat canal constructed at comparatively small ex- 
pense. This communication would save fifty miles navi- 
gation from the Illinois river to the Upper Mississippi, 
and, as the latter is elevated considerably above the 



OF ILLINOIS. SI 5 

former, create an immense water power, which is the ob- 
ject of the company. 

Gum^s Fort. See Henderson's Settlement, Knox count3^ 

Gun Prairie, in Jefferson county, six miles south of 
Mount Vernon, two miles lon^, and one mile wide. The 
land is good, and the settlement contains twenty families. 

Hadky''s Creek rises in the north part of Pike county, in 
four south, three west, and enters the Snycartee slough. 
The land is undulating but good. 

Hadley, a post office and settlement, in Will county, 
eight miles northeast of Juliett, and on the road to Chi- 
cago. 

Hamburg, a landing on the Mississippi, in Calhoun 
county, and the residence of .Tohn Sliaw, Esq., ten miles 
northwest of Gilead. The landing is said to be good, 
and the bank high. Here is a post office of the same 
name. 

Hummefs Settlement, in Coles county, on the east side 
of the Embarras, twenty-two miles north of Charleston. 
The land is good, generally rolling, and the settlement 
has twelve or fifteen families. 

Hancock Prairie commences above Bear creek, in Ad- 
ams county. This is an extensive tract of rich prairie, 
tolerably level, which runs through Hancock county, 
enters Warren, and stretches between Henderson and 
Spoon rivers indefinitely north. Its width is various, being 
from ten to twenty miles. 

A principal road to Rock river and northward passes 
through this prairie. 

Hanover, a town site in Tazewell county, on sections 
seventeen and twenty, township twenty-seven north, 
range two west, and on the road from Springfield, via 
Tremont, to Ottawa. A steam mill and several buildings 
are in process of erection. A charter has been obtained 
for a college, which is contemplated to be brought into 
operation by the Baptist Reformers. 

Hardeii's Settlement, in the southeast part of Hancock 
county, on the head and along the North fork of Bear 



216 A GAZETTEER 

creek. The land is excellent and well watered, with a 
tolerable supply of good timber. 

Hargrave^s Prairie, in Wayne county, adjoining Fair- 
field. It is about seven miles long and two wide: rolling, 
and thin soil. Population about one hundred families. 

Harkness's Settlement is on the west side of Peoria coun- 
ty, adjoining Fulton, twelve miles west from Peoria. 

Harris's Creek rises in the bluffs of the Ohio river, in 
Gallatin county, runs a north course, and enters Saline 
creek, fifteen miles below Equality. Much of the land 
on its borders is rough and broken, interspersed with tracts 
of good soil. 

IIarrisonville,{he former seatof justice of Monroe coun- 
ty, situated on the east bank of the Mississippi, and nearly 
opposite Herculaneum. It is a place of very little account, 
having not more than half a dozen families. 

Havanna, a town site and landing on the Illinois river, 
directly opposite the mouth of Spoon river. 

It has an eligible situation on a high sand ridge, fifty 
feet above the highest floods of the river. It is on section 
one, township twenty-one north, in range nine west of the 
third principal meridian. 

Havanna is well situated to receive the produce and 
direct the trade of a pretty extensive country on both 
sides of the Illinois river, and is on the great thoroughfare 
from Indiana, by Danville and Bloomington to the coun- 
ties that lie to the west and north. 

Haw Creek is a branch of Spoon river, twenty miles 
long, that rises in the middle part of Knox county, runs 
east, and enters Spoon river. 

The country on its borders is first rate for settlements, 
which are forming fast. 

It has some good mill seats. 

Hawkins Prairie, in Greene county, on the south side 
of the Macoupin, and nine miles east of south from Car- 
rollton. 

HazePs Settlement is in Pope county, on the road to Vi- 
enna. 

Head of Apple Creek is an extensive settlement in the 



OF ILLINOIS. 217 

southeastern part of Morgan county, eighteen miles from 
Jacksonville. 

It is a fertile tract, tolerably level, and has about three 
hundred families. 

Head of Apple River is a settlement in Jo Daviess 
count5% southeast of Galena. 

Head of Richland is a fine settlement of fifty or sixty 
families in Sangamon county, seventeen north, seven 
west, on Richland creek, fourteen miles northwest from 
Springfield. 

The land is high, dry, undulating and rich. 

Here is an excellent flouring mill by ox power, and a 
carding machine and clothier's works, for dressing cloth. 

Head of Silver Creek, a settlement in the northeastern 
part of Madison county, surrounded with large prairies. 

Head of Wood River, a settlement in the south part of 
Macoupin county. It is a good tract of land, and the set- 
tlement is considerable. 

Henderson River rises in Knox county, takes a south- 
western course through Warren, and after receiving 
several branches, enters the Mississippi in ten north, five 
west, through a low and inundated bottom. 

It is a beautiful stream, furnishes some good mill seats, 
and has a fine body of timber on its banks. The country 
on Henderson is considered one of the finest bodies of 
land in Illinois. 

Its principal branches are South fork, and Cedar fork. 
The timber is oaks of various species, hickory, walnut, 
ash, elm, sugar maple, linden, etc. 

South Fork of Henderson river rises in ten north, five 
west, runs through an excellent body of land and fine set- 
tlements in Warren county. The heads of all the streams 
in this part of the state are in rich and dry land. 

Henderson Settlement lies in Knox county, on Hender- 
son river, ten miles north of west from Knoxville. Here 
is a large body of rich timbered land, surrounded with 
dry, fertile, first rate prairies. The settlement is some- 
times called Gum's fort. 

Henderson^ Creek, in Greene county, a small stream 
19 



218 A GAZETTEER 

that rises near the line of Morgan county, runs a south 
course, and empties into Apple creek. 

Hennepin, the seat of justice for Putnam county, is 
situated in the great bend, and on the east bank of the 
Illinois river, and the border of De Pru prairie, on sec- 
tion nine, township thirty-two north, in range two west 
of the third principal meridian. Its situation is elevated, 
the surface gently ascending from the river, with an ex- 
tensive body of rich land adjacent. 

The bottom opposite is about one mile and a half wide, 
and overflowed in high water. 

This town was laid off in 1831, and contains ten stores, 
4 groceries, 3 taverns, 3 lawyers, 4 physicians, Presby- 
terian and Methodist congregations, court house and jail, 
a good school, and 475 inhabitants. Steamboats ascend 
to this place at a moderate stage of water. 

Htrron's Prairie is in the southwestern part of Franklin 
county. 

HerringtoTi* s Prairie, eleven miles northwest from 
Fairfield, in Wayne county, is eight miles long, from 
two to four miles wide, surface rolling, soil second rate, 
and has a settlement of fifty families. 

Hickory Creek, in Coles county, rises in the Grand 
prairie, runs southeast, and enters the Embarras five 
miles below Charleston. It is a good mill stream, and 
the land through which it passes is undulating and rich; 
the settlements contain 120 families. 

Hickory Creek rises in Cook county, runs a westerly 
course, and enters the Des Plaines nearly opposite Mount 
Joliet. On its banks are large bodies of excellent tim- 
ber, intermixed with good prairie land. The settlements 
are extensive. 

Hickory Creek, a small stream in Fayette county. It 
rises about nine miles east of Vandalia in the prairies, 
runs southwest, and enters the Kaskaskia five miles be- 
low Vandalia. The soil is thin, timber post and other 
species of oak. 

Hickory Creek Post Office, is in Fayette county, in the 



OF ILLINOIS. 219 

centre of a large settlement, four and a half miles south- 
east from Vandalia, and on the road to Salem. 

Hickory Grove, in Champaign county, on the north 
branch of salt fork, and 12 miles east of Urbanna. The 
timber is from half a mile to one and a half miles wide, 
and the soil and prairie round first rate. 

Hickory Grove, a post office, and large settlement, on 
the borders of Shoal creek prairie, in Bond county, nine 
miles south of west from Greenville. The prairie is large 
undulating, and rich. The timber adjoining is excellent 
and abundant. The settlement contains seventy or eighty 
families and a store. Many European Germans are set- 
tling in the prairie. 

Hickory Grove, a settlement near a point of timber in 
the Macoupin prairie, Greene county, twelve miles south 
of Carrollton, and on the road to Alton. The settlement 
is spreading over a fine, rich, prairie, moderately undu- 
lating. 

Hickory Grove, in McDonough county, in seven north, 
two west, is a small and beautiful tract of timber, on the 
head of Camp fork. This is sometimes called Walnut 
grove. The prairie around it is undulating and rich. 

Hickory Hill Settlement, in Wayne county, eighteen 
miles west from Fairfield, and on the west side of the 
Skillet fork. It is a mixture of timber and prairie, soil 
second quaility, and population about fifty families. 

Higgi7is''s Creek, a small stream in Fayette county, that 
enters the Kaskaskia from the west, three miles above 
Vandalia. 

Higgins^s Settlement, in Crawford county, is five miles 
south of Palestine. 

Highlarid, a town site in the Looking-Glass prairie, 
Madison county, 16 miles southeast from Edwardsville. 

An extensive settlement of Germans is in its vicinity. 

HigJdand post office and settlement is in Pike county 
between Pittsfield and Atlas. 

High Prairie, a beautiful prairie and fine settlement in 
St. Clair county, eight miles south of Belleville. 

HighsmitJi's Settlement, in Crawford county, ten miles 



220 A GAZETTEER 

south of Palestine. Here are considerable barrens, the 
timber is oak, hickory, etc., the soil a medium quality, 
the population twenty or twenty-five families. 

HiLLSBORo', the seat of justice for Montgomery county, 
is situated twenty-eight miles northwest from Vandalia. 
It has six stores, two taverns, three blacksmiths, three 
carpenters, one cabinet maker, two physicians, two tan- 
neries, one shoenaaker, two tailors, one tinner, a post 
office, 70 families, and about 350 inhabitants. 

It is situated in an elevated region, near middle fork of 
Shoal creek. 

The Presbyterian society in this place has built a neat 
brick edifice, in the modern style, for a house of worship. 

Hillsboro' is a healthy and flourishing town. The 
principal road from Vandalia to Springfield, and another 
from Shelbyville to Alton, pass through this place. 

Hitesville^ a town site and post office on the easi border 
of Coles county, 12 miles from Charleston. 

Hiitle's Grove, in Tazewell county, lies between little 
Mackinau and Sugar creek. It is four miles long and two 
miles wide, and surface level; the adjoining prairie un- 
dulating. 

Hodge's Creek, in Greene county, rises in Pratt's prai- 
rie, runs southwesterly, and enters Grand Passe. It is 
also called Hurricane. 

Hodge'^s Fork, a branch of the Macoupin from the north 
side, which unites with the main stream twelve miles 
east from Carrollton, and near the line of Greene county. 
Towards its head it is called Otter creek. See North 
fork of the Macoupin. 

Hog Prairie is in Hamilton county, a ^ew miles west 
of McLeansboro'. It is about two miles in diameter, 
level, and rather wet. 

Holderman'' s Grove, in La Salle county, is sixteen miles 
northeast from Ottawa, containing about 500 acres of 
timber, and a settlement of several families. Here is a 
town site and post office called Lisbon. 

Holland'^s Grove, a settlement on Farm creek, in Taz.e- 



OF ILLINOIS. 221 

well county. The limber and prairie are first rate. It 
adjoins Peoria lake. 

Hollandrs Grove post office is in the town of Washing- 
ton, which see. 

Honey Creek is a stream that rises in the prairies of 
Warren county, runs west twenty miles, giving name to 
a low bottom, and enters the Mississippi, below Ellison. 

Horse Creek rises near the centre of Monroe county, 
runs a southeasterly course into Randolph county, and 
enters the Kaskaskia river, in five south, eight west; 
several settlements lie along this creek where there is 
good timber and prairie land. 

Horse Creek, in Sangamon county, rises in the prairies 
towards the head of Macoupin, and enters the South fork 
of Sangamon about section twenty, fifteen north, four 
west. 

Horse Prairie, in Randolph county, on Horse creek, a 
rich undulating tract, and contains forty or fifty families. 

Horse Shoe Lake, in Alexander county, eight or ten 
miles long, and from half a mile to one mile wide. Its 
name indicates its form, and its outlet is into Cash river. 

Horse Shoe Prairie, is in the Virginia settlement, Mc 
Henry county, 7 miles west of Fox river. 

HowarcTs Settlement, in Pope County, on Big creek, 
fifteen miles northeast from Golconda, comprises excel- 
lent land, and about seventy or eighty families. 

Howard's Settlement, in Madison county, on the borders 
of the Looking Glass prairie, thirteen miles southeasterly 
from Edwardsville. ^ 

Howard's Settlement, near Potatoe creek, in Fulton 
county, twelve miles south of west from Lewistown. 
The soil is good, of the description called barrens. 

Hoxey\s Settlement, in Madison county, on the West 
fork of Silver creek, nine miles northeast from Edwards- 
ville. The prairie is undulating and rich. 

Hudson, a settlement of New England people in Mc 
Lean county, ten miles north of Bloominglon, south side 
and in the bend of Mackinau river. 

19* 



222 A GAZETTEER 

Hutson^s Creek is a small stream in Crawford county, 
that flows into the Wabash. 

Hutsonville^ a small town and post office, on Hutson's 
creek, nine miles north of Palestine, in Crawford county. 

Huey's Settlement^ on the west side of the Grand prai- 
rie, in Clinton county, three miles east of Carlyle. A. 
rich tract of prairie, bordered with heavy limber. 

Hugh's Settlement, in Alexander county, on the west 
side of Cash river, seventeen miles north from America. 
Mill creek, a branch of Cash river, runs through it. 

The bottom and the upland are both good, and the set- 
tlement has forty or fifty families. 

Huron, a town site in Sangamon county, on the south 
side of the Sangamon river, about thirty miles north north- 
east from Springfield, on the road to Fulton county. 
, It is a good situation for a town, and where the Beards- 
town canal is projected to unite with the Sangamon river. 
It was formerly called Miller's ferry. 

Hurricane Settlement, in the eastern part of Montgo- 
mery, and western part of Fayette counties. It extends 
along the timber of Hurricane fork, has a rolling surface, 
which is broken near the creek; the timber is post oak, and 
the soil rather thin. 

Hurricane, an extensive settlement along the creek of 
that name and on the eastern side of Bond county. The 
prairie is rather wet, the timber excellent, and in large 
bodies. 

Hurricane Post Office is in Hurricane settlement, Mont- 
gomery county, on the road from Vandalia to Hillsboro', 
and equidistant from these places. 

Hurricane Fork, a branch of the Kaskaskia river, rises 
near the line of Montgomery and Shelby counties, runs 
south near the western line of Fayette county, and enters 
the Kaskaskia on the right side, twelve miles below Van- 
dalia. The banks of this stream are well timbered, and 
the low bottoms occasionally inundated. 

Hutchens^s Creek, a branch of Clear creek, in Union 
county, ten miles from Jonesboro'. 

Hutchens*s Settlement, in Perry county, fivo miles north 



OF ILLINOIS. 223 

of Pinckneyville. The surface is undulating, the soil of a 
middling quality, and the settlement small. 

Illinois Prairie, formerly called Wolf prairie, com- 
mences near the mouth of the Illinois river, in Calhoun 
county, and extends twenty miles along the foot of the 
bluffs, adjoining the alluvion of the Illinois. Its average 
width is one mile and a half, the soil is good and thirty 
families are settled here. 

Illinois River, a beautiful stream of water that passes 
diagonally through the state, and enters the Mississippi 
twenty miles above the mouth of the Missouri. 

It commences under its proper name at the junction of 
the Kankakee and Des Plaines. From thence it runs 
nearly a west course, (receiving Fox river at Ottawa, and 
Vermilion near the foot of the rapids,) to Flennepin, in 
township thirty-three north, and in range two west of the 
third principal meridian. Here it curves to the south, 
and then to the southwest, receiving a number of tributa- 
ries, the largest of which are iSpoon and Sangamon rivers, 
till it reaches Naples. Here it bends gradually to the 
south, and continues that course till within six miles of 
the Mississippi, when it curves to the southeast, and 
finally nearly to an east course. Its length, (without 
reckoning the windings of the channel in navigation,) is 
about 260 miles. It is navigable at a moderate siage of 
water to the foot of tlie rapids, 210 miles; and to Ottawa, 
nine miles further, in high water, for steamboats. 

In going up the river at a low stage of water the fol- 
lowing bars and impediments to the navigation exist: 

1. French bar, gravel, twenty miles above the mouth, 
near Smith's ferry — three feet deep at low water. 

2. A bar fourteen miles further up — channel close to an 
island — two and a half feet at low stage. 

3. At Hodge's warehouse, seven miles above the mouth 
of Apple creek, there is difficulty in getting a point, but 
no bar. 

4. Six miles below Naples is a centre bar — channel 
near the side of the river. 



224 A GAZETTEER 

5. At Meredosia, is a narrow channel on the opposite 
side, but no getting to tiie landing at very low water. 

6. Three fourths of a mile below Beardstown is a bar, 
extending, like a wing dam, nearly across the river, 
excepting a narrow passage near the west shore. Any 
boat that can pass this bar will reach the port of the 
rapids. 

From this imperfect sketch of the obstructions to the 
navigation of this river at low water, it will be seen that 
with the comparatively trifling expense of 100,000 dol- 
lars, which the legislature has provided, the navigation of 
the Illinois may be made good at all stages of water. 

At high floods this river overflows its banks and covers 
its bottoms for a considerable extent. The Mississippi, 
at extreme high water, backs uj) the Illinois about seventy 
miles to the mouth of the Mauvaiseterre. 

Besides several villages and commercial towns, which 
are springing up on the banks of the Illinois, there are 
many landings for goods, and deposits for produce, where 
temporary warehouses have been erected. 

The commerce of this river now is extensive, and in- 
creasing with a rapidity, known only in the rich, agricul- 
tural regions of the western states. Several steamboats 
are constantly employed in its trade, and many others 
make occasional trips. About thirty-five different boats 
passed and landed at Beardstown in 1836, making the 
arrivals and departures 450. 

The following account of arrivals of steamboats at Na- 
ples, from 1828 to 1831, will show the increase during 
those years. 

1828, the first year of steamboat 

navigation 9 arrivals 

1829 3 " 

1830 54 " 

1831 186 " 

1832, from March 4, to .Tune 19, 108 arrivals by 
nineteen different boats. 



OF ILLINOIS. 225 

Illinois Town, a small village of a dozen families, in 
St. Clair county, on Cahokia creek, opposite St. Louis. 

Illiopolis, a town site, laid off on a magnificent scale in 
Sangamon county, twenty-two miles east of Springfield, 
on the road to Decatur. It is a handsome elevated site 
in the prairie. 

Indian Creek, ?i branch of Fox river from the northwest. 
It enters the main stream ten miles above Ottawa, aqd 
five miles above the rapids. 

Large bodies of fine timber lie on this stream; the sur- 
face of the country is undulating, and the soil good. 

On the 20th of May, 1832, fifteen persons belonging 
to the families of iMessrs. Hall, Daviess, and Pettigrew 
were barbarously massacred by the Indians near this 
creek. Two young ladies. Misses Halls, were taken 
prisoners, and afterwards redeemed, and two young lads 
made their escape. 

The bodies of men, women, and children were shock- 
ingly mutilated, the houses of the settlers burned, their 
furniture destroyed, and their cattle killed — all in day 
light, and within twenty miles of a large force of the 
militia! This was done by the Indians under the infa- 
mous Black Hawk! A portion of that band were exter- 
minated during the same season by the combined forces of 
United States troops and Illinois militia, and the remain- 
der dispersed over the prairies west of the Mississippi. 

Settlements are now rapidly forming on Indian creek 
and Fox river, and much excellent country remains to be 
possessed in that quarter. 

Indian Creek, a stream in Morgan county, near the 
borders of Sangamon, runs a westerly course, passes 
through a string of Lakes in the Illinois bottom, until its 
waters mingle with the Illinois, near the corner of the 
base line and the fourth principal meridian. 

It passes through a beautiful and fertile country, di- 
versified with timber and prairie. 

The French explorers called it La Bullance. 
Indian Creek, in Lavvrence county, rises in the prairies 
west, runs southeast, and enters the Embarras five miles 



228 A GAZETTEER 

below Lawrenceville. It has much good land in its 
vicinity, both timber and prairie, and a settlement of 150 
families. 

Indian Creek^ a smaM stream in Madison county, be- 
tween Edwardsville and Alton, that enters Cahokia 
creek. 

Indian Crech^ a small stream and post office in Gallatin 
county 11 miles northwest from Equality. 

Indian Creek a branch of the Des Plaines, rises in Mc 
Henry county, runs southeasterly, and enters the Des 
Plaines in Cook county. The land along its course very 
excellent. 

Indian Creek,3. small stream that rises in the east part of 
Sangamon county, and enters the Sangamon river above 
Salt creek. The timber adjoining is excellent, and the 
prairie is undulating and rich. 

Indian Creek a small stream in the northern part of Bond 
county. It runs west and enters Shoal creek. 

Indian Creek a name of one of the forks of Spoon 
river. It rises in Henry county, runs across the north- 
east corner of Knox, and enters Spoon river in twelve 
north, six east. 

Indian Creek, in Coles county, and a branch of the Em- 
barras. It rises in the Grand prairie, runs southeast, and 
enters the principal stream eight miles below Charleston. 
The land is good, both timber and prairie, and the popu- 
lation forty or fifty families. 

Indian Prairie, in Wayne county lies ten miles north- 
westerly from Fairfield; surface level, soil of an inferior 
quality, with a scattering settlement of fifteen or twenty 
families. 

Inlet Grove, in Ogle county, lies on the road from Dixon- 
ville to Chicago, 16 miles from the former place. The 
inlet is a stream that rises near the heads of the south 
fork of the Kishwaukee, runs a southwestern course for 
50 miles, part of that distance through swamps, until it 
is lost in the Winnebago swamp. 

Irish Grove, in Sangamon county, on the road from 
Springfield to Peoria, eighteen miles from the former 



OF ILLINOIS. . 227 

place. It is two miles from Salt creek, and is three miles 
long and one mile and a half wide, and contains a settle- 
ment of about fifty families. The land is good, and the 
timber is chiefly Oak of various kinds. 

Irish Settlement in Randolph county, six miles northeast 
of Kaskaskia, on Plum Creek. 

Irish Settlement^ on the Ohio river, in Pope county, about 
fifteen miles above Golconda, is on a rich alluvial soil, and 
contains about one hundred families. 

Iroquois^ a town site and post office, on the south side 
of the Iroquois river, in Iroquois county, in twenty -seven 
north, eleven west. It has 3 stores, 2 groceries, 1 tavern 
and twenty families. Montgomery joins it. 

Iroquois {Riviere des Iroquois^ Fr.) a considerable river 
which rises in the northwestern part of Indiana, and taking 
a northwest course, flows into the Kankakee river, and 
thus forms one of the heads of the Illinois. It received 
its name from the circumstance of a large party of the 
Iroquois Indians being surprised and massacred on its 
banks by the Illinois nation.* The Kickapoos called it 
Mocubella. Others have called it Canawaga. It is pro- 
bably the same stream that the Commissioners for settling 
the boundary between Illinois and Indiana called Ficka- 
rninck. It crosses the boundary line in township twenty- 
seven north, where its width is 175 links. The country 
through which it passes will soon be covered with settle- 
ments, the surface being fine and undulating, the soil rather 
inclined to sand, dry and rich, and the timber abundant. 
Sugar creek is a principal branch. 

Iroquois City, a town site laid out in Iroquois county, on 
section twenty-five, township twenty-seven north, range 
twelve west, but contains no houses. 

Irvin's Settlement lies in the western part of Hamilton 
county. The surface is undulating, the soil second rate, 
and timbered. 

Island Grove, a large body of excellent timber, sur- 
rounded with rich prairie, in Sangamon county, sixteen 

* Charlevoix. 



228 A GAZETTEER 

miles west of Springfield, and on the road to Jackson- 
ville. 

Island Grove, a body of timber near the west side of 
Montgomery county, containing about 600 acres. 

Jackson's Grove, a post office in Fulton county, on the 
road from Lewistown to Canton equidistant from the two 
places. Here is a considerable tract of barrens. 

Jackson Grove, in Will county, six miles south of 
Juliet. 

Jacksonville is one of the largest inland towns in the 
state, and the seat of justice for Morgan county. It is 
situated on elevated ground, in the midst of a most de- 
lightful prairie, on sections twenty and twenty-one, town- 
ship fifteen north, in range ten west of the third principal 
meridian. 

The plat of this town was laid off in 1825, but its rapid 
growth did not commence in three or four years. 

Few towns exhibit a finer prospect than does Jackson- 
ville, from whatever side the traveller approaches. The 
surrounding prairie country, now in a state of cultivation 
is beautifully undulating, and uncommonly rich. The 
timber in sight is either in groves, or spread along the 
waters of the Mauvaiseterre and Sandy. 

Jacksonville has 16 stores, 6 groceries, 2 druggist's 
shops 2 taverns or hotels, several respectable boarding 
houses, 1 baker, 2 saddlers, 3 hatters, 1 silversmith, 1 
watchmaker, 2 tinners, 3 cabinet makers, 1 machinist, I 
house and sign painter, 6 tailors, 2 cordwainers, 4 black- 
smiths, 3 chair makers, 1 coach maker, 1 wagon maker, 
1 wheelwright, 11 lawyers and 10 physicians. 

It has 1 steam flour and 1 saw mill, a manufactory for 
cotton yarn, a distillery, 2 oil mills, two carding factories 
a tannery, and 3 brick yards, with a proportion of various 
mechanics in the building line, and other trades. 

The public buildings are, a spacious court house, of 
brick, a neat framed building for the Presbyterian house 
of worship, a large brick building for tiie Methodist society, 
and a handsome edifice, also of brick, for the Episcopalian 
denomination, another of wood for Congregationalists, a 



OF ILLINOIS. 229 

lyceum, a mechanics' association, a male and a female 
academy, a hrick market house, and a county jail. The 
college edifices are one mile west from the town. 

There are two printing offices that puhlish weekly pa- 
pers, the " Pa/>7o/," and the " iN^eios," and also a book 
and job printing office, with a book bindery attached, and 
a monthly religious periodical. 

The present population of Jacksonville is about 2,500; 
exclusive of the college students. 

Situated near the centre of the county, and in the midst 
of one of the finest tracts of land, densely populated with 
industrious and enterprising farmers, with the advantages 
of good water, health, and good society, Jacksonville 
must continue to pros[)er, and doubtless will attract many 
emitjrants who are seekinofan agreeable home in the "far 
west." 

The railroads projected and now working from this 
place to the Illinois river, have been noticed under the 
head of" Internal Improvements." 

Jacksonville^ a settlement in St. Clair county, on the 
bluffs, eight miles northwest from Belleville. 

Jarvls's Settlement is near the head of Ellison, in War- 
ren county. Here are about two townships of valuable 
timber, surrounded WMth immense tracts of fertile prairie. 

Jersey Prairie is a beautiful and rich prairie, in Morgan 
county, ten miles northerly froin Jacksonville. 

The land is rich, timber adjoining excellent, the people 
moral and industrious, the settlement extensive and popu- 
lous, and decidedly healthy. 

Jerseyville^ a town site and post office in Greene count)"-, 
fourteen miles south of Carrollton; a beautiful situation 
in the prairie, containing twenty or twenty-five families. 

JoVs Creek is a small stream in part of Cass county, 
runs norih, and passes through several small lakes into 
Sangamon river. 

Job''s Settlement^ called also New Hope, in the northwest 

part of McDonough county, in townships six and seven 

north, range four west. The timbered land in the several 

forks of Crooked creek, and the intervening tracts of 

20 



230 A GAZETTEER 

prairie, are all of first rate quality. Houston's, Bagby's, 
and Dicken's forks, are small streams north of Job's fork, 
and are heads of Crooked creek. 

Johnsuri's Creek, a small stream in the south part of Jo 
Daviess county. Its head is towards Rock river, its course 
west, and it enters the Mississippi, thirteen miles above 
the Marais d'Ogee, and twenty-five miles below Plum 
river. The land towards its mouth is low and marshy; 
towards its head it is gently undulating, occasional groves 
of timber, and well adapted to farming. 

Juhnson''s Settleme7it, on Sugar creek, in Clinton county, 
twenty miles south of west from Carlyle. 

Jonathan's Creek is a tributary of the Kaskaskia, in 
Shelhy county. 

JoNESBORo', the seat of justice for Union county, is 
situated on section thirty, twelve south, one west, in a 
high, rolling tract of country, nine miles from the Mis- 
sissippi, twenty-five miles souih-snutheast from Browns- 
ville, in latitude thirty-seven degrees, twenty-five minutes 
north. It has about twenty-five families, seven stores, 
one tavern, one lawyer, two physicians, two ministers of 
the gospel, one carding macfiine, and various mechanics. 
The court house is a framed building, two stories high, 
and finished; and a brick jail. The surrounding country 
is undulating and healthy, and contains several good set- 
tlements. 

Jones''s Creek post office. (See Liberty, Randolph 
county.) 

Jordan Creek rises in the interior of Wabash county, 
and enters Bon Pas creek near the northwestern corricr 
of the county. It passes through a fertile tract, both tim- 
bered and prairie, and has a considerable settlement ten 
or twelve miles northwest from Mount Carmel. 

Jordan's Frairie, in Jefferson county, six miles north 
of Mount Vernon, is five miles long, and one mile and a 
half wide. The land is second rate, and the settlement 
contains about fifty families. 

Jordan's Frairie post office is on section thirteen, one 



OF ILLINOIS. 231 

* 

south, two east, eight and a half miles north of Mount 
Vernon. 

Jordan's Stitlement, in Jasper county, on the west side 
of the Embarras river. In the centre of this settlement 
is the contemplated county seat. 

JuLiETT, the seat of justice for Will county, located on 
both sides of the Des Plaines, and at the crossing place 
of the Illinois and Michigan canal. 

It has fourteen stores, two groceries, one drug store, 
three taverns, a saw and grist mill, and the benefit of 
great water power, various mechanics, six lawyers, five 
physicians, a Methodist and an Episcopal society, and 
about 600 inhabitants. This should have been called 
/o//e/, from one of the earliest French explorers. 

Kane Post Office, in Macoupin settlement, Greene coun- 
ty, nine miles south of Carrollton. 

Kankakee, one of the principal streams that form the 
Illinois river. It rises in the northern part of Indiana, 
near the south bend of the St. Joseph's river, runs a west- 
erly course into Illinois, where it receives the Iroquois, 
and forms a junction with the Des Plaines, in section 
thirty-five, township thirty-four north, and in range eight 
east fronri the third principal meridian. Here is a large 
body of fine timber, but along the Kankakee there is very 
little timber. It runs swiftly, and has a lime stone bed. 

At the ford of the Vincennes and Chicago road it is 
two-hundred yards wide. This is 178 miles north of Vin- 
cennes, and forty-seven miles south of Chicago. The 
prairie country through which it passes is generally of 
good soil, gently undulating, and interspersed with sand 
ridges. Navigation for small craft can be effected through 
the Kankakee and St. Joseph. 

This river was discovered by the French at a very early 
period, and was one of the principal routes to the Illinois 
country. Its aboriginal name was Theakiki, or as pro- 
nounced in French, Te-au-kee-kee, which by the fatality 
attendant upon many of the aboriginal names carried 
through French into English, has become fixed in the 
sound and orthography o( Kan-ka-kee, 



232 A GAZETTEER 

• 

Kankakee^ a town site in the forks of the Kankakee and 
Des Plaiiies rivers, with one store and three or four 
houses, saw n)ills, &c. Near the point, the land is over- 
flowed at hicrh water. Further hack is fine bottom and 
rollinor prairie. Calculations are made for a city here at 
some future time. 

Kaskaskia, the seat of justice for Randolph county, 
and formerly the seat of government of the Territory of 
Illinois. It is situated on the riffht bank of the Kaskas- 
kia river, seven miles above its junction with the Missis- 
sippi. 

The early French explorers made one of their first set- 
tlements at this spot, shortly after the visit of La Salle, 
in 1683; and so lon^ as the French continued in posses- 
sion of the Illinois country, Kaskaskia was its capital, and 
was flourishing and populous. In 1721, when Charlevoix 
visited it, there existed a Jesuit college. Its ruins are now 
scarcely visible. In 1763, when the country east of the 
Mississippi was ceded by France to Great Britain, it con- 
tained about one huiidred families. Of late years its 
population and trade has been much reduced. It num- 
bers now about fifty or sixty families, a majority of whom 
are French. 

The court house is of brick. A Roman Catholic chapel, 
and a nunnery and female boarding school are here. 
Kaskaskia is the location of the land ofiice for this dis- 
trict. 

Kaskaskia Hive)-, a large and navigable stream. It 
rises in Champaign county, in township twenty north, 
range eight east, near the waters of the Sangamon and 
the Vermilion of the Wabash, and runtiinyc in a souih- 
western direcion through Coles, Shelby, Fayette, Clin- 
ton, St. Clair, and Randolph counties, eriiers ifie Missis- 
sippi, in sections fourteen and fifteen, nine south, seven 
west, about 120 miles above the mouth of the Ohio. 

It is four hundred miles in length, following its mean- 
derings, and receivers a large number of tributaries, which 
are noticed under their respective names. An extensive 
body of timber from two to ten miles wide, is found along 



OF ILLINOIS. 233 

this stream, generally of a good quality, consisting of 
oaks of various kinds, as overcup, burr, water, while, 
black, red or Spanish, and post oak, walnut, hickory, 
ash, iiaekberry, elm, white and sugar maple, honey lo- 
cust, cotton wood, sycamore, pecaun, mulberry, sassafras, 
box elder, etc. The country through which it passes is 
undulating, and fertile, adapted to the growth of corn, 
wheat, oats, tobacco, and some cotton. The latter is not 
a sure crop in all seasons; but with proper care, a suffi- 
cient quantity may be raised for home consumption. 
The bottoms of this stream are from half a mile to two 
or three miles in width, and subject to inundation in high 
floods. 

The legislature in its system of internal improvement, 
appropriated ^50,000 to improve the navigation of Kas- 
kaskia river. The chief obstructions are logs, sand 
hanks and short bends. A steamboat went up as far as 
Carlyle in April, 1837. 

Kellogg's Grove, in Jo Daviess county, thirty-five miles 
east-southeast from Galena, and on the road from Dixon's 
ferry. It is a small grove of three or four hundred acres, 
witii several small groves near it. 

Kellogg's Grove, a small tract of timber in La Salle 
county seventeen miles northeast from Ottawa. 

Keltner''s Fork, in Morgan county, is a small branch of 
Indian creek. It rises near Jersey prairie. 

Keys^s Creek rises in the interior of Pike county, and 
enters the Snycartee slough. The bottom is excellent 
land proportioned into timber and prairie. About the 
bluffs very uneven, towards the head of the creek mode- 
rately undulating. 

KIckapoo, a stream that rises near Spoon river in two 
forks denominated East and West forks. 

East Fork rises in sections eleven and twelve, eleven 
north, seven east, runs a southwestern course. 

West Fork rises in ten north, four east, runs a south- 
easterly course and unites with the east fork in section 
thirty-four, ten north, six east. 

The Kickapoo then takes a southern course, and enters 

20* 



231 A GAZETTEER 

the Illinois river two miles below Peoria. On the forks 
there is much excellent land, wiih g^roves and points of 
timber, interspersed with barrens. The country border- 
ing on the nvdin creek has considerable bodies of fine 
timber, but the land is generally too uneven for conve- 
nient cultivation. 

Kickapoo^ a branch of Salt creek in Sano^amon county. 
It rises in Dawson's grove, McLean county, in twenty- 
three north, four east, runs a southern course and enters 
Salt creek in Sangamon county, in the north part of nine- 
teen north, three west. It furnishes good mill seats, 
when the water is not too low; and the soil and limber 
on each side of the creek are first rate. 

Kincaid Creeks is a small branch of Big Muddy river, 
which heads in Randolph county, runs southeast, and 
enters that stream twenty-four miles from its mouth. 
The land along this creek is rocky, broken, heavily tim- 
bert^d with poplar, oak, etc. and the settlement is small. 

KinsawTs ^'ettlancnf, near the northern side of Gallatin 
county, on the road from Carmi to Equality. The land 
is rather inferior, and the settlement considerable. 

Kishwmikee or Sycamore^ a branch of Rock river. It 
is divided into North, East and South forks, and these 
again have numerous branches. 

The branches of North Fork head in Winnebago, Boone 
and northwest corner of McHenry counties, and in the 
Wisconsin Territory, of which the Beaver, Piskasau and 
Pappoose creeks are best known. 

The East Fork has several heads in the northern parts 
of Kane county. 

The Sduth Fork originates in several heads in the in- 
terior of Kane, and southeastern corner of Ogle counties. 
One of its heads is near the Paupau grove. The East 
and South Forks unite in township forty-one north, range 
three oast, where is a large body of timber, twelve sec- 
tions or more of various kinds, and the prairies adjoining 
undulating and rich. Along the East Fork the prairie 
is flat and rather wet. Ohio, Norwegian and Big groves 
are found in this region. 



OF ILLINOIS. 235 

The North and South Forks unite in township forty- 
three nor^h, range two east, and the main Kishwankee 
enters Rock river on section twenty-two, township forty- 
three north, range one east, of the tliird meridian. Tne 
country in general has an undulating surface, a rich, deep, 
black, sandy, calcareous soil, and abounds with lime and 
free stone, coal, and fine perennial springs, while the 
different streams produce good mill sites. 

There is a deficiency of timber as there is through the 
northern part of Illinois. Much of it is in groves, many 
of which equal in appearance English parks. There are 
also extensive tracts of barrens or oak openings, as they 
are called by the people, and the whole country gives 
most unequivocal promise of health. 

Kite river^ in Ogle county, rises in the prairie north of 
Panpau grove, runs a west-southwest course and enters 
Rock river one and a half miles, below Oregon. Soil rich and 
sandy, timber scattering, surface tolerably level. Besides 
other timber, here is yellow and white poplar, or aspin. 

Knight^ s Prairie lies west of McLeansboro', in Hamil- 
ton county, with a settlement around it. 

Knob Prairie^ fifteen miles northwest from Frankfort, 
in the corner of Franklin county, is low and wet, and has 
a small settlement. 

Knoxville is the county seat of Knox county, and is 
pleasantly situated on an elevated and rich prairie on the 
north side, and adjoining the timber of Haw creek. It 
is on section twenty-eight, eleven north, and two east of 
the fourth principal meridian. It was laid off about 1832, 
contains now 40 families and bids fair to oecome a thriv- 
ing inland town. The surrounding country is rich, and 
settling fast with industrious farmers. 

Knoxh Grove, in the northeastern part of Putnam and 
extends into La Salle and Ogle counties. It is at the 
head waters of the Bureau. 

Knox Settlement, in Putnam county, on Sandy, thirteen 
miles southeast from Hennepin, is a large and flourish- 
ing settlement. 

Lacon^ (formerly Columbia) is on the left bank of the 



236 A GAZETTEER 

Illinois river in Putnam county, 20 miles below Henne- 
pin surrounded with a populous and rich settlement. It 
has 3 stores and 15 or 20 families. 

La Fux, a post office on Fox river in Kane county, near 
the liior Woods. 

La Harpe^ a town and post office in Hancock county, 
in seven north, five west, with a beautiful country, inter- 
spersed with timber and prairie around it. 

Lake Fork^ a main branch of Macoupin creek, which 
rises in the prairie between the heads of Shoal creek, and 
Sangamon waters, and near Macoupin point, which see. 
Below the joom/ it passes througli a small lake, or pond. 

Lake Fork, a branch of Shoal creek, that rises in seven 
north, five west, runs a northeastern dirpction, and enters 
the west fork of Shoal creek in Montgomery county. 

Lake Fork of Sail Creek is formed by a long lake in 
the northeastern part of Sangamon county, runs a riorth 
course and forms one of the heads of Salt creek. It is 
in township seventeen north, and range two and three 
west. 

Lake Juliet is an expansion of the River Des Plaines, 
two miles below Mount Juliet, and opposite Mount Flat 
Head, in Will county. It is about five miles long, 60 or 
70 rods wide, and deep water. 

La Marche, a small stream and branch of the Kickapoo 
in Peoria county. Excellent land and a fine body of lim- 
ber, especially near its mouth. 

Lainaster''s Settlement is in Schuyler county, on Crane 
creek four miles south of Rushville. 

Lamotte Cree^ rises in the interior of Crawford county, 
runs east and enters the Wabash below Palestine. 

Lamotte Prairie is a sandy and rich tract of prairie, 
in Crawford county, eight miles long, and from one to 
five miles broad. The soil is well adapted to the growth 
of corn. 

La Salle Prairie, a prairie and large settlement in Peo- 
ria county, adjoining Peoria lake. The southern part is 
sandy, rich and undulating; the northern portion is a mix- 
ture of clay and sand, elevated in the middle. 



OF ILLINOIS. 237 

La Salle prairie is an elevated bottom, above the high- 
est floods, ten miles long, and from three to four miles 
wide. At the shore of the lake the water is deep, and 
tile landing good. 

The settlement contains about 100 families and is fif- 
teen miles distant from the county seat. 

Laughion'^s, an old trading house and settlement on the 
Des Plaines, in Cook county, twelve miles west of Chi- 
cago. 

Lawrenceville, the courit}'^ seat of Lawrence county. 
It is situated on the west bank of the Embarras river, 
nine miles from Vinceiines, on the St. Louis road, and 
on an elevated ridge. It contains three stores, two 
groceries, two taverns^ and sixty or seventy families. 

The court house is of brick, and is a respectable 
building. A saw and grist mill is on the Embarras, ad- 
joining. 

Its exports per annum ^50,000; imports $30,000. 

Leaf River, in Ogle county, rises in North Grove, near 
the source of Pine creek, runs east about 12 miles, and 
enters Rock river four or five miles brlow Stillman"s run. 
It has several branches of four or five miles in lentJth, 
fine groves of timber, and rich, calcareous soil on its 
borders. 

Lebanon, a beautifully situated village in St. Clair 
county, twelve miles northeast from Belleville, and one 
mile east of Silver creek. 

It is on elevated ground, surrounded with a beautiful, 
populous and well cultivated district of country and on 
the Vincennes and St Louis stage road. * 

Lebanon has a steam mill for manufacturing grain — an 
ox mill for flouring, on an inclined plane, a post office, two 
public houses, seven stores, one grocery, three physicians, 
mechanics' shops of various kinds, and about sixty 
families. The Methodist college, located in the immediate 
vicinity of Lebanon, has been noticed under the head of 
*' Education" in the first part of this work. 

The Methodist society embraces the largest proportion 
of the religious community about Lebanon. There is a 



238 A GAZETTEER 

large society of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a 
small society of the Methodist Protestant church. 

Lcesbursh, a town site in Montgomery county on sec- 
tions seven and eight, townphip ten north, five west. 

Leniarde Prairie, in Wayne county, seven miles north- 
west from Fairfield, about six miles long, and three wide, 
of inferior quality, wiih a small po[)ulation. 

Lester'' s Point, in Iroquoiscounty in twenty seven north, 
eleven west; — a point of timber, surrounded with a rich, 
undulating prairie. 

Lewises Creek, di trifling stream in Jackson county, enters 
Big Muddy near the coal bank foiy miles east of Browns- 
ville. 

Lewises Settlement, in the southern part of Pope county, 
above and opposite the mouth of Cumberland river. This 
is the oldest settlement in this part of the state, and con- 
tains sixty or seventy families. 

Lewistown, the seat of justice for Fulton county, si- 
tuated on section twenty-two, five north, three east, 
four miles east of Spoon river, and twelve oiiles from the 
Illinois. 

It has three stores, two taverns, a framed court house, 
painted white, and about forty families. Lewistown is 
surrounded with a heavy body of timber, chiefly of 
white and other oaks; the soil rather thin, and surface 
broken. 

Lexington, a town site in the north part of McLean 
county, eighteen miles northeast of Bloomington, on the 
road to Chicago. 

Liberty, a town and post oflfice in Adams county, near 
Weigle's seilement. 

Liberty a town site on the Mississippi, in Randolph 
county, on section seven, township eiorht south, five west. 
It has a steam saw and flouring mill, six stores, three 
groceries, two taverns, one minister, two physicians and 
140 inhabitants. One house for public worship. 

Lick Creek, a branch of Sugar creek, of Sangamon 
county. It rises on the western side of the county, takes 



OF ILLINOIS. 239 

an easterly course throuoh a rich and populous trac% 
with good timber, and enters Sugar creek a short distance 
above its mouth. Tlie seiiieinetiis extend us whole 
length, and the borders of the prairie adjoining are well 
populated. 

Lick Run is a branch of Indian creek, in Morgan county 
near the bluffs of the Illinois. 

Lima^ a town site and post office in Adams county, 18 
miles north of Quincy, and has eight or ten families. 

Paine^s Groveis in Ogle county on Kite creek. 

Lincoln, a post office and town site in Macoupin county, 
near the head of Wood river, and on the road from 
Edwardsville to Springfield. It is thought to be an eli- 
gible situation, and will soon be surrounded by a large 
settlement. 

Linden Bottom, in Greene county, south of the Macoupin 
calleft also the " Richwoods." It is a fine tract of tim- 
bered land, elevated and rich, yet in appearance its surface 
resembles alluvion. 

It has a large settlement extending from the Macoupin 
river to Otter creek. 

Linden Grove, a small body of excellent timber in the 
northeast part of Morgan county, surrounded with rich, 
undulating prairie. 

Lisbon, .1 post office and town site at Holderman's grove, 
in La Salle county, sixteen miles northeast from Ottawa. 

Little Beauconp Creek, a small stream in Perry county, 
and a l)ranr'h of Big Beaucoup creek, between that stream 
and Little Muddy. 

Little Crooked Creek rises in Washington county, near 
Nashville, runs a north course, and enters Crooked creek 
near its mouth. Land good, surface undulating, and a 
mixture of timber and prairie. 

Little Detroit is the French name for the " Straif^ or 
narrows in Peoria Lake. 

Little Indian Creek, in Morgan county, rises in Silvan 
grove, runs southwest, and enters Indian creek. 

Little Mackinau is a stream in Tazewell county, that 



240 A GAZETTEER 

runs westward, and enters the Mackinau. The settle- 
ment here is extensive. 

Little Missouri Creeks a branch of Crooked creek, in 
the western part of Schuyler county and eastern part of 
Adams county, twelve miles from Rushville. Green's 
settlement is on the southern, and Brown^s Settlement on the 
northern side of this creek. The country is a mixture of 
timber and prairie. 

Little Mount Prairie is u\ Wayne county, three miles 
southwest from Fairfield, about two miles long, and one 
wide. 

Here is a small but high mound, covered over with the 
graves of the aboriginal people. 

Little Muddy is one of the four heads of the Big Muddy 
river. It rises in the southeastern corner of Washington 
county, crosses the line into Jefferson, then into Franklin 
and finally into Jackson, wliere it enters the parent stream 
on the right side, in section tiiirteen, eight south, one west. 
A post office. 

It has good timber and prairie on both sides. 

Little Piasmi, called also Cave Spring branch, rises in 
a large spring among the bluffs of Lower Alton, and 
passes through the town into the Mississippi. 

Little Rock River, rises in Jo Daviess county, runs south 
into Whiteside county and enters Rock river in township 
nineteen north, four east. There is much good land along 
its course. 

Little Rock Creek rises in the interior of Kane county, 
and runs south into Fox river. 

Little Saline, in Gallatin coutny, rises in the bluffs of 
the Ohio river, runs a north course, and enters the South 
fork of the Saline creek, eighteen miles above Equality. 
It waters a tolerably good country, with a scattering 
population. 

Little Saudi/, a small creek that heads in Sweet's prai- 
rie, i[i the south part of Morgan county; and enters Sandy 
creek, about the bluffs of the Illinois. A large tract of 
timbered land is on it. 

Little Silver Creek rises in the Looking Glass prairie, 



OF ILLINOIS. 241 

in the northeastern part of St. Clair county, runs south- 
west past Lebanon, and enters Silver creek two miles be- 
low that village. 

Little Vermilion rises in the prairies west of Fox river, 
runs south, and enters the Illinois near the foot of the 
rapids. Just below is the termination of the canal, and 
the site of a great commercial town. 

Its Indian name is Pe-cum-sauk-in^ or Tomahawk. 

Little Wabash Rivtr rises in township eleven north, 
range six east, in the large prairies towards the head 
waters of the Kaskaskia, and running south through the 
counties of Coles, Effingham, Clay, Wayne, Edwards, 
and White, enters the Big Wabash, in the northeast 
corner of Gallatin county, seven south, ten east. It is 
about one hundred and ten miles in a direct line from its 
heads to its mouth, though about one hundred and fifty 
miles to follow its meanderings. 

Its principal tributaries are Skillet fork, Fox, and 
Muddy. It is navigable for flat boats and small craft, at 
a full stage of water — about forty of the former leaving 
it ann\ially, from Wayne and White counties, with beef, 
pork, corn, cattle, and some tobacco, for the New Orleans 
market. 

The timber upon the banks of the Little Wabash is 
generally heavy, and of a good quality, and is several 
miles in width. In Clay county is some poplar. 

The country adjoining is generally fertile, but the bot- 
toms are subject to inundation at high floods. The 
country between the Little Wabash and the Skillet 
fork, is generally flat, and in some places inclined to be 
wet. 

Several valuable mills have been erected on this stream 
in White county. 

Little Woods is a tract of timber on Fox river, in Kane 
county above the " Big Woods." The land of excellent 
quality, but swampy in places. 

Liverpool^ a town site on the right bank of the Illinois 
river, in Fulton county, six miles above the mouth of 
Spoon river. The site has been called Bailey's Island, 
21 



242 A GAZETTEER 

from being surroun-ded in the rear by a slough at high 
water, over which a causeway or levee is about to be 
constructed. It is the landing place for Canton, and 
the termination of the Liverpool, Canton and Knoxville 
rail road. 

Livingston, a village on the national road, in Clark 
county. It is in the timber of Big creek, fourteen miles 
from Terre Haute, in Indiana and ten miles west of north 
from Darwin. It has three stores, three groceries, three 
taverns, one physician, two ministers, various mechanics, 
and 150 inhabitants. 

Lockport, a town site on the Illinois and Michigan ca- 
nal, at the termination of the lake level, thirty-four and a 
half miles from Chicago. Here will be two locks estab- 
lished, each ten feet lift, which will give twenty feet fall 
for the immense quantity of surplus water that can be 
brought from Lake Michigan, equal to 10,000 cubic feet 
of surplus water per minute, after supplying the canal, 
and making full allowance for leakage, evaporation, &c., 
enough to drive 234 pairs of mill stones, four and a half 
feet diameter. A large town and extensive manufacturing 
operations will be here as soon as the canal is completed. 
Near this place the Des Plaines has fifteen feet fall. 

Lockwoodh Settlement, near the south fork of Spoon 
river, on the border of Warren county, township ten 
north, range one west. An excellent tract of country. 

Lockwood^s Settlement is in the south part of Hamilton 
county. The surface is rolling, timbered, and the soil 
second rate. 

Locust Creek, a branch of Elkhorn creek, in Washing- 
ton county, and has a settlement on it three miles south 
of Nashville; country chiefly prairie. 

Locust Grove, a post office and settlement in Shelby 
county, five miles east of Shelbyville. 

Logan^s Settlement is in a good tract of country, in Gal- 
latin county, eighteen miles northwest from Shawnee- 
town. 

Lollard's Settlement is ten miles northwest from Shaw- 



OF ILLINOIS. 243 

neetown, in Gallatin county, and contains much good 
land. 

Long Creek, a branch of Big- creek, in Macon county. 

Long Grove lies west of Au Sable grove, in the eastern 
part of La Salle county. 

Long Prairie, thirteen miles northwest from Mount 
Carmel, in Wabash county, is undulating, second rate 
land, with twenty-five or thirty families. 

Long Prairie, in Edwards county, north of Albion, nine 
miles long, and from one mile to one and a half wide, in- 
terspersed with groves and points of timber. 

Long Prairie, a branch of the Twelve Mile prairie of 
Clay county, projecting into Wayne. It is eight or ten 
miles long, three miles wide, level, poor soil, and has a 
population of twenty-five or thirty families. 

Long Prairie, in Jefferson county, five miles west of 
Mount Vernon, is four miles long, and one mile and a 
half wide. 

It lies between the Middle and West forks of Big 
Muddy river, is tolerably good land, and contains a set- 
tlement of forty families. 

Looking Glass Prairie, a large, rich, beautiful, and un- 
dulating prairie lying between Silver and Sugar creeks, 
and on the eastern border of St. Clair county. It com- 
mences near the base line, in range six west, and ex- 
tends northward about twenty miles into Madison county, 
and is from six to ten miles in width. Few prairies in 
the state present more eligible situations for farms than 
this. 

Extensive settlements are on its borders, and project 
into its interior. 

Lorton's Prairie, on the north side of Apple creek, in 
the upper part of Greene county. It is a tract of excel- 
lent land, has good timber, and contains about eighty 
families. 

Lost Creek, in Marion county, rises in the Grand prai- 
rie, runs southwest, and enters the Kaskaskia river, near, 
the mouth of Crooked creek. 



244 A GAZETTEER 

Lost Grove is seven miles east of Sidney, on the eastern 
border of Champaign county. 

Lost Prairie, in Perry county, seven miles west of 
Pinckneyviile, is three miles long, and one mile and a 
half wide. It has a rich soil, high undulating surface, 
and a good settlement. There are two prairies between 
this and Pinckneyviile, called Eaton and Conant prai- 
ries. 

Loup CreeJc, an insignificant branch of Silver creek, 
in St. Clair county, in township one south, range seven 
west. 

Lukeri's Prairie is on the south side of Lawrence coun- 
ty, wilh a settlement of fifty or sixty families. 

Lusk^s Creek, a small stream, running southwardly 
through Pope county, and entering the Ohio at Gol- 
conda. 

Lynn Grove, in Champaign county, is four miles south 
of Sidney, from seventy-five to one hundred acres of tim- 
ber, mostly linden and honey locust. 

Lynnville, a town site and postoflBce in Morgan county, 
and a point on the rail road from Jacksonville, by Win- 
chester to the Illinois river. It has three stores, three 
groceries, and fifteen or twenty families. It is in the 
prairie at the head of Walnut creek, in an English settle- 
ment, and eight miles southwest from Jacksonville. 

Lyons, is a town site on the Des Plaines at Laughton's 
old trading house, twelve miles west of Chicago. It now 
has a sawmill, three houses and a tavern. 

Macklnau, (Michilimacinac) a navigable stream in Taze- 
well county. It rises in the prairie near the centre of Me 
Lean county, and after receiving several small branches, 
runs southweslwardly through Tazewell county, and en- 
ters the Illinois three miles below Pekin. 

It is a clear stream, and has Little Mackinau, Rock, 
Walnut, and Panther creeks for its branches. The 
Mackinau bottoms are rich, but its blufl^s are very broken, 
thin soil, from one to two miles in width, and the timber 
chiefly white oak, and some cedar. The prairies adjoin- 
ing are rolling, dry, and tolerably good. Towards its 



♦ OF ILLINOIS. 245 

head the land is less broken, limber various, and soil 
rich. It has a number of mill seats. 

Mackinau, a small village, and formerly the county- 
seat of Tazewell. It is situated on the Mackinau creek, 
in twenty-four north, two west, sixteen miles north of 
east from Pekin, surrounded with a large settlement. It 
is located in the prairie, on the southeast side of Mac- 
kinau. 

3Iucon County Prairie., an extensive tract, from twelve 
to twenty miles in width, lying north of Decatur, and 
betwixt the North fork of the Sangamon and Salt creek. 
Some parts are level and wet — other portions dry and 
undulating. 

Macoupin Crzek^ a considerable stream that rises in the 
north part of Macon county; runs southwesterly, passes 
through Greene county, and enters the Illinois river twen- 
ty-six miles above its junction with the Mississippi, in 
section twenty-four, eight north, fourteen west of the third 
principal meridian. 

Its branches are PhilPs, Dry fork. Bear, and Hodge's 
creeks, and Lake fork. 

The country along its banks is generally fertile, suit- 
ably proportioned into timber and prairie, and has a line 
of settlements through Macoupin and Greene counties. 

Macoupin is aboriginal, and in all the French authors, 
spelled Ma-qua-pin, but it has become legalised on the 
statute books of the state in the uncouth form given at 
the head of this article, and usually pronounced by the 
people, Ma-goo'pin. 

This word is said to be the Indian name of a vegetable 
with a large round leaf, growing in the lakes and ponds 
of Illinois, called by some people "splatter-dock," and 
found plentifully near this stream. 

The large roots of this plant, if eaten raw, are very 
deleterious. The Indians, in early times, dug holes in 
the earth, which they walled with stone, and after heat- 
ing them with large fires, put in the roots, covered them 
with earth, and in two days the rank poisonous taste was 

21* 



246 A GAZETTEER 

g^one. They were then put on poles and dried for food. 
In this form they were eaten by the natives.* 

Macoupin Prairie, a large prairie in Greene county, be- 
tween the Piasau and Macoupin, moderately undulating, 
rich, and rapidly settling. The road from Alton to Car- 
rollton passes through this prairie. 

Towards the Illinois river, on the west, and the Ma- 
coupin creek on the east, are extensive bodies of fine tim- 
ber. Emigrants from Vermont, and other northern and 
eastern states, are covering over this part of the county 
with fine farms. The settlement in the south part of this 
prairie is sometimes called South Greene. 

Macoupin Settlement lies near the timber bordering upon 
the Macoupin creek and prairie, in Greene county, nine 
miles south of Carrollton. This settlement was com- 
menced in December, 1816, by Daniel Allen, and John 
and Paul Harriford, and was then the most northern white 
settlement in the Illinois Territory. The prairie land is 
rich, but rather level, and the timber adjoining good. 
Ka7ie post office is in this settlement. 

Macoupin Pointy a noted stand at the junction of the 
roads from Edwardsville to Springfield, and from Hills- 
boro' to Morgan county and Beardstown, sometimes called 
Henderson's stand. 

It is in the northwest corner of Montgomery county, 
at the head of the timber, on the South fork of the Ma- 
coupin. South, along the roads to Edwardsville and 
Hillsboro', the surface of the prairie is flat and wet. 
North, towards Sugar creek, it is dry and undulating. 

Maddux Settlement is in Clinton county, near the mouth 
of Crooked creek, eight miles south of Carlyle. 

Manchester, a post town in Morgan county, on section 
twenty-eight, thirteen north, eleven west of the third 
principal meridian. It is on the main road leading from 
Carrollton to Jacksonville, eighteen miles from each 
place on the north side of Mark's prairie, and surrounded 
with a body of excellent timbered and prairie land. 

* See Charlevoix's Voyage to North America, 1721. 



OF ILLINOIS. 247 

Mantua^ a large settlement in a timbered tract, in the 
soutliwestern part of White county, ten miles from Carmi. 
Duncanton is the post office. 

Marais cfOgee {Ma-re-do-she) is a sluggish stream, and 
a series of swamps, extending from Rock river to the 
Mississippi, and constituting the present boundary be- 
tween the counties of Rock Island and Whiteside. 

It is about twenty miles long, and in some places one 
mile, and in other places twenty or thirty yards wide. 
Near the Mississippi, where the road crosses, it is a clear 
stream of water, twenty yards wide, and sandy bottom. 
It is supposed that a canal might be cut, at very little ex- 
pense, through this swamp into Rock river. 

Marchanfs Settlement, on the north side of Fulton coun- 
ty, twenty-four miles east of north from Lewistown. 

Marine Settlement, a flourishing settlement in Madison 
county, between the east and west forks of Silver creek, 
and twelve miles east of Edv.'ardsvslle. 

This settlement was commenced by Captains Blakeman 
and Allen, in 1819. The settlement is large, and spread 
over an undulating, rich, and beautiful prairie, and is 
healthy and well watered. A post office. 

3Iarkham''s Settlement, in Macoupin county, on Taylor's 
creek, twelve or fifteen miles west of Carlinville. 

The land is good, surface undulating, and equally di- 
vided into timber and prairie. 

3farrow Bone, a small creek in the north part of Shel- 
by county. It rises in Macon county, runs southeast 
through Bone's settlement, into the west fork of the Kas- 
kaskia. 

Mitr^e/Z/es, a projected manufacturing town, on the north 
side of the Illinois river, at the Grand rapids, eight miles 
above Ottawa. A chartered company are engaged in con- 
structing dams, mills, &c. Flour and lumber are made 
here, and the water power is immense and easily com- 
manded. A post office has been established here. The 
canal will pass through it, and it already assumes the as- 
pect of a bustling, enterprising village. 

Marshall^ a town site in Clark county, on the national 



248 A GAZETTEER 

road, on sections thirteen and twenty-four, township eleven 
north, twelve wesf.. It is a pleasant, healthy situation, 
and bids fair to become a place of some importance. 

Marshall' s Prairie, north of Cox's prairie, fourteen miles 
northeast of Brownsville, in Jackson county, is rich, 
undulating land, and the settlement contains a dozen 
families. 

MartiiibS Creek and Settlement, in Wayne county, on 
Elm river, five miles north of Fairfield. The settlement 
consists of fifty or sixty families, and the creek is a branch 
of Elm river. 

Martinsville, a town site and post office on the national 
road, in Clark county. 

Mason, a small stream that enters the Illinois river 
from the south, twelve miles below the junction of the 
Kankakee with the Des Plaines. It is called also Nettle 
crteh. 

Maso7i Grove, in La Salle county, lies eio^hteen miles 
northeasterly from Ottawa. It lies on the Little Mason, 
is five miles long, and one mile wide, a tract of excellent 
land. It is called also Virginia Grove. 

Muson^s Prairie and settlement is in the southwestern 
part of Lawrence county, from twenty to twenty-five miles 
from Lawrenceville, with seventy or eighty families. 

3Iauvaiseterre^a. stream in Morgan county, that rises in 
the prairie on the borders of Sangamon county, in several 
branches, runs a west course near Jacksonville, and flows 
into the Illinois river two miles below Naples. 

Above Jacksonville, it is divided into North, South, ^nd 
Brier or Middle forks. 

For beauty of situation, fertility of soil, salubrity of 
climate, a due proportion of timber and prairie, good 
water, and almost every other advantage for agricultural 
purposes, no country in the wide spread valley of the 
west exceeds this, and yet by a most singular misnomer, 
the French, who explored the Illinois river, called it 
*^ Mauvaise terre^^ — poor land. 

Maysville, the seat of justice for Clay county, is 
situated on the borders of the Twelve Mile prairie, and 



OF ILLINOIS. 249 

near the Little Wabash river, on the stage road to Vin- 
cennrs. 

It has three taverns, three stores, and about twenty 
families. The adjacent prairie is undulating, and second 
rate. 

McAdarrCs Settlement is in Bond county, four miles 
south of Greenville; the land level, and tolerably good, 
and the settlement large. 

Macomb, the seat of justice of McDonough county, is 
situated on elevated ground, iu a delightful prairie, be- 
tween Drowning fork and Town fork, near the centre of 
the county. It is on the southwest quarter of section 
thirty-one, six north, two west, and was laid off in 1831. 
In 1832 it contained three stores, one grocery, about 
twenty families, and promises soon to become a pleasant 
inland village, with a considerable population around it. 

McCord^s Settlement,, in Bond county, on the east side 
of the west fork of Shoal creek, eight miles northwest 
of Greenville. 

The land is good, and there is a due proportion of tim- 
ber and prairie. 

McCormaclc's Settlement, lies towards the southwestern 
part of Pope county. 

McCreery'' s Settlement, in Franklin county, ten miles 
east of Frankfort, in a timbered tract of country. The 
timber consists of oaks of different kinds, hickory, some 
poplar and other varieties. The soil is good, rather un- 
dulating, and the settlement large. 

McEaver^s Settlement is six miles, southeast of Carlyle, 
in Clinton county, on the waters of Crooked creek. 

McFatridge^s Settlement, in Johnson county, eight miles 
northeast from Vienna, on the old road from Golconda 
to Kaskaskia, and on the waters of Cedar creek. The 
surface is rather broken, the soil thin, and the settlement 
contains sixty or seventy families. 

McHenry, a town site in McHenry county, twelve 
miles south of the state boundary, and on the west side 
of Fox river. Surrounded with excellent prairie, and 
timber in groves and bur oak openings or barrens. 



250 A GAZETTEER 

McKee's Creek^ in the military tract, enters the Illinois 
river, in the northeast part of Pike county, in township 
three south, in range two west of the fourth principal 
meridian. It is made up of three principal branches, 
known by the names of North, Middle, and West forks. 

North i^or/f, which is the longest branch, rises in Adams 
county, near the base line, in range five west, runs a de- 
vious course into Schuyler county, and receives a number 
of small tributaries. Its general course to the Illinois 
river is southeast. 

Middle Fork originates near the boundary of Pike and 
Schuyler counties, and enters the west fork a few miles 
above its junction with the main stream. 

West Fork rises in the northern part of Pike county, 
where it interlocks with the waters that fall into the 
Mississippi, and after running an eastern course, joins 
the main stream a few miles above its mouth. The land 
on McKee's creek and branches is excellent, suitably 
proportioned into timber and prairie, which is gently 
undulating and rich. The settlements already are large, 
and population is increasing from emigration. The same 
obstruction to rapid settlement exists here as in all por- 
tions of the military tract. Much good land is held by 
non residents. Could the land all be had at a reasonable 
price, this tract of country would soon be overspread with 
large farms. 

McKee^s Branch, a fork of Sugar creek, in Schuyler 
county, is a mill stream, three miles north of Rushville. 

McLeansboro', the county seat of Hamilton county, 
situated on high ground, in township five south, and in 
range seven east from the third principal meridian. The 
settlement around is pretty extensive and the town con- 
tains twenty or twenty-five families, and five stores, 

McRaney^s Creek is a small stream that heads in Adams 
county, passes into Pike, and enters the Snycartee slough. 
The land is proportionably divided into timber and prai- 
rie, and of a good quality. 

MeachanCs Grove, now called Salem, is in Cook county, 
near the head of Salt creek, and contains about three sec- 



OF ILLINOIS. 251 

tions of timber, of sugar maple, walnut, oaks, linden, 
ash, elm, hickory, &c. The prairie is undulating- and 
rich. Around that and other small groves are about 
twenty-five families. 

Mechanicsburg, a town site in the prairie near Clear 
creek, fifteen miles east of Springfield, on the road to 
Decatur. Post office Clear creek. 

Melrose, a town site and post office, situated in Clark 
county, twelve miles southwest from Darwin. It has 
eighteen or twenty families. 

Menomone, a stream in the northwest corner of the 
state. It rises in Iowa county, Wisconsin territory, runs 
southwest, and empties into the Mississippi three miles 
below the boundary line. The surface near its mouth 
is broKen, and towards its head are rich prairies, and 
rich mines of lead. The timber is scarce, in groves and 
patches for six or eight miles up. Length about fifteen or 
twenty miles. 

Meredosia, a town site, landing, and place of consider- 
able business on the Illinois river in Morgan county, 
six miles above Naples. It is situated on an elevated 
sand ridge, with a good landing when the water is not 
too low. Here are two steam mills, several stores, and 
fifty families: and to be a point in the Northern cross 
rail road from Quincy by Springfield, to Indiana. 

Meredosia can be approached from the bluffs and table 
land, without crossing any lakes or sloughs, which is not 
the case with other towns on the river in Morgan county. 
Much of the mercantile business of Jacksonville passes 
through this place. Above the town is a singular bayou, 
from whence its name, which, in French orthography, 
would be, Marais (T Ogee. 

Exports for pork, lard, flour, beef, corn, whiskey, butter 
and potatoes, $ 200,000. 

Imports in various kinds of merchandise landed at 
Meredosia, % 450,000. 

Meredosia Bay, is a body of water connected with the 
Illinois river, above Meredosia. It is seven miles long; 
its width varies from one half to one mile. 



252 A GAZETTEER 

Middle Fork of Big Muddy River^ one of the four heads 
of Big Muddy river, in Franklin county. It rises on the 
borders of Hamilton county, runs a southwestern course, 
and enters the main stream a few miles west of Frankfort. 
The country along its borders is divided into timber and 
prairie; the surface tolerably level, and the soil good 
second rate. 

Middle Fork Settlement, in Jefferson county, lies be- 
tween Mount Vernon and Long prairie; a limbered tract, 
good sugar tree groves, and a pleasant settlement. 

Middle Fork of Shoal Creek rises in the prairies of Mont- 
gomery county, eight north, four west, passes Hillsboro', 
and enters Shoal creek about four miles above Bond 
county line. 

Middle Fork of Silver Creek rises in the prairies north- 
east of the Marine settlement, in Madison county, runs 
south and enters the East fork. 

Middle Grove, a post office and settlement on the north 
side of Fulton county, on section six, township eight 
north, four west and on the road from Canton to Knox- 
ville. 

Middletori's Ferry, on the Kaskaskia river, twenty miles 
east of Belleville, and fourteen miles southeasterly from 
Lebanon. 

Middlefown, in Sangamon county, is laid off in the prai- 
rie, between the timber of Salt creek and Irish grove, 
near Musick's station. Several families, &c. 

Miers's Settlement is in Bond county, on the west side 
of Beaver creek, and two miles south of Greenville. 

Milan, a post office and town site in the south part of 
Calhoun county, fractional section twenty-eight, town- 
ship thirteen south, one west. 

Mill Creek, a small stream that rises in the southwest- 
ern part of Edgar county, runs diagonally through Clark, 
and enters the Wabash near York. 

Mill Creek, a small mill stream in Randolph county. It 
enters the Kaskaskia river on the east side, one mile 
above the town of Kaskaskia. 

Miller's Settlement adjoins the Mississippi, on the west 



OF ILLINOIS. 253 

side of Alexander county. Here is some bottom, and 
rolling upland, generally good. Population about thirty 
families. 

Miller'' s Seltlement^ near the centre of Mercer county. 
A good tract of country. 

Miller''s Settlement^ in Macon county, four miles west 
of Decatur, in the south side of Macon county prairie. 
Soil rich with good timber adjoining. 

Mills^s Prairie, in Edwards county, eleven miles north- 
east from Albion, four miles long, and two and a half 
wide — a fine and well settled tract. 

Milton was once a town site, situated on Wood river, 
in Madison county, two miles southeast of Alton. 

MitcheWs Settlement, in St. Clair county, six miles east 
of Belleville — a fine tract of country. 

Monk Hill is situated on the American bottom, in the 
borders of Madison county, eight miles northeasterly 
from St. Louis. 

The circumference, at the base, is about six hundred 
yards, and its height about ninety feet. On the south side, 
about halfway down, is a broad step, or apron, about fif- 
teen feet wide. 

This hill, or mount, was the residence, for several 
years, of the monks of the order of La Trappe, the most 
rigid and austere of all the monkish orders. 

Their monastery was originally situated in the district 
of Perche, in France, in one of the most lonely spots that 
could be chosen. They fled from the commotions of that 
kingdom to America, lived for a time in Kentucky, and 
came to Illinois in 1806 or '07, and settled on this mound. 

They cultivated a garden, repaired watches, and traded 
with the people, but were generally filthy in their habits, 
and extremely severe in their penances and discipline. 
In 1813, they sold oflT their personal property, and left the 
country, for France. 

Monmouth, the seat of justice for Warren county, is 
in the prairie, and, on the south side of the timber of Hen- 
derson river. It is located on section twenty-nine, eleven 
22 



254 A GAZETTEER 

north, two west has a flourishing settlement, and a first 
rate tract of country around it. 

It has four stores, two groceries, one tavern, two phy- 
sicians, no lawyers, and about twenty families. 

Muntehello is a town site, post office and settlement in 
Hancock county, on the bluifs of the Mississippi, one and 
a half miles above the foot of the Lower rapids. 

There is a considerable settlement along the river, the 
whole length of the rapids. 

Moniecello, the site of the Alton Female Seminary, a 
delightful situation on the borders of Scamet's prairie, 
four and a half miles norili of Alton. 

Montezuma, a town site, post office, and landing on the 
riorht bank of the Illinois river in Pike county, thirteen 
miles southwest from Pittsfield. 

Montgomery, a town site in Adams county, in section 
twenty-seven, township two south, six west, with four 
families. 

Moore'^s Prairie, in Jeffi^rson county, is eight miles long, 
from two to three miles wide, and from six to twelve 
miles southeast of Mount Vernon. A post office. 

Some portions are flat and wet, other parts dry and 
gently undulating, and the settlement along its borders 
consists of seventy-five families. 

Moore'^s Prairie, in St. Clair county, is five miles east 
of Belleville, and about the same in extent. It is tolera- 
bly level, of good soil, and spread over with fine farms. 

Moore's Settlement, in Monroe county, near Waterloo, 
is an extensive settlement. 

Morgan's Creek, in Kane county, rises in Ausauble grove, 
runs west, and enters Fox river, one mile above the 
south boundary of Kane county. 

Mosses Settlement, in Pope county, near the heads of 
Big Bay and Lusk's creeks; twenty miles from Golcon- 
da. It is a good tract of country. 

Mounse's Creek, a small stream, and branch of the 
North fork of Sangamon, in Foster's settlement, Macon 
county. 

Mount Carbon, a coal bank on Muddy river, four miles 



OF ILLINOIS. 



255 



above Brownswille, in Jacksou county. Large quantities 
are exported from this place down tiie river. Here is a 
large steam saw and grist mill. 

Mount Carmel, the seat of justice for Wabash coun- 
ty, is situated on high ground, on the Wabash river, and 
on section twenty, in fractional township one south, and 
in range twelve west from the second principal meridian. 

This town was laid off in 1818, by Rev. Thomas S. 
Hinde, of Ohio, on the project of establishing a moral, 
temperate, and industrious village. 

The prospective improvement of the rapids of the Wa- 
bash near this place, is thought to give it peculiar impor- 
tance as a place of business. The country around is high, 
undulating, healthy, and contains an extensive settlement 
of industrious farmers. The court house and jail are brick. 
The Methodist society, which is large, has a house of 
worship. 

In Mount Carmel are ten stores, two groceries, (or 
*' doggeries," as our correspondent calls them, and further 
states, " the keepers are getting ashamed of them,") — 
two taverns and a third in course of preparation, one sta- 
tioned preacher, and four local preachers, of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, one German Reformed preacher, two 
physicians, one steam doctor, three lawyers, and from one 
thousand to twelve hundred population. 

The religious denominations, are Methodists (Episco- 
pal,) numerous, evangelical Lutherans, associated with the 
German Reformed, Presbyterians, some Baptists and 
Episcopalians — three steam mills, one ox tread mill, me- 
chanics and trades of various descriptions, a foundry for 
castings for machinery, etc. The commerce of this place 
is considerable, and from the 31st of March to the 12th 
of April, 1837, 26 steamboats arrived and departed. 

Mount Flat Head^ on the west side of the Des Plaines, 
and two miles below Mount Joliet. It extends two miles; 
the north end is rounded — the south end irregularly 
shaped — its contents sand, gravel, and coarse pebbles, 
worn smooth by water friction. 

Mount Joliet,) a mound situated on the west bank of the 



256 A GAZETTEER 

Des Plaines, about sixteen miles above its junction with 
the Kankakee. It is in the southwestern part of Cook 
county, in township thirty-five north, in range ten east 
from the third principal meridian. It is in the midst of 
a large plain, covered in summer with short, thin grass, 
and which bears striking marks of having been once 
inundated. 

Its size is variously estimated. Beck, in his Gazetteer, 
states, "It is three or four hundred yards in length, north 
and south, and two or three hundred in breadth, east and 
west. It is in the form of a pyramid, and is evidently the 
work of art." 

From the last position I entirely dissent. From all the 
facts I have gathered from those who have visited it, I have 
no doubt, but like similar eminences in every part of the 
globe, it is a natural production. Several gentlemen, who 
have passed this mound without stopping particularly to 
measure it, have estimated its length one mile, its breadth, 
at the base, half a mile, and its height one hundred and 
fifty feet. It appears to be an immense pile of sand and 
pebbles, similar to the sand ridges along the Illinois river. 

This name was given by the companions of Joliet, who 
visited this country in 1673. 

Mount Pleasant^ in St. Clair county, and four miles 
northeast of Belleville, the residence of William Kinney, 
a former lieutenant governor of the state, and now presi- 
dent of the " Board of Public Works." 

Mount Pleasant^ a post office in Union county, east of 
Jonesboro', on the road to Vienna. (See Stokes's Settle- 
ment.) 

Mount Pulaski^ a town site in Sangamon county, on an 
elevated prairie, in township eighteen north, range two 
west. 

Mount Sterling, a post office and town site in Six's 
prairie, Schuyler county, seventeen miles west of Rush- 
ville, on the mail road to Quincy. It has four stores, one 
minister and a small Presbyterian church, organised, 
various mechanics, and about 150 inhabitants. 

Mount St. Charles, in Jo Daviess county, twelve miles 



OF ILLINOIS. 257 

east of Galena. The surrounding country becomes ele- 
vated to the height of seven or eight hundred feet above 
the mining coun^try generally. This mount, like a pyra- 
mid, rises from the centre of this elevation one hundred 
and fifty feet. The base of the whole mount includes two 
or three square miles; — the base of the pyramid is one 
fourth of a mile in length, and two hundred and fifty yards 
in breadth. Its top is long and quite narrow. The whole 
mound, as is the case with many smaller ones, is a natural 
formation. 

Mount Vernon, the seatof justice for Jefferson county, 
situated on the stage road from St. Louis, by Carlyle, to 
Shawneetown, on section twenty-nine, township two 
south, in range three east of the third principal meridian, 
and near the centre of the county. 

It has six stores, three groceries, one tavern, two phy- 
sicians, two ministers, a court house and jail, a Methodist 
Episcopal and a Baptist society, and various mechanics, 
and 140 inhabitants, and is pleasantly situated on the 
north side of Casey's prairie, and surrounded with a con- 
siderable settlement. It is in latitude thirty-eight degrees 
twenty minutes north, forty-seven and a half miles a little 
east of south from Vandalia. 

Mouth of Ohio. The importance of a good town site, at 
the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, has, for 
many years, excited the attention of the enterprising. It 
is a feature in our western rivers, with few exceptions, 
that at and near their junction, the land is alluvion, of a 
recent formation, and at the high annual floods, usually 
inundated to the depth of several feet. This is the case, 
particularly at the mouth of the Ohio. For twelve miles 
along that river, above its mouth, and a farther distance 
along the Mississippi, and across the point to Cash river, 
the country is subject to annual inundations. Had the 
author of nature formed here an elevated situation, no- 
thing could have prevented this spot from becoming the 
central commercial emporium of the great western valley. 
The immense trade of the Ohio and Mississippi, at some 
future day, will warrant the expense of forming a site 

22* 



258 A GAZETTEER 

here for a commercial town. The termination of the great 
central railroad will greatly facilitate this object, and, with 
the commerce of these great rivers, build up a splendid 
city. In due time, art, enterprise, and perseverance will 
triumph over nature at this place, and a large commercial 
city will exist where now the waters of the Ohio and 
Mississippi occasionally spread. 

Mud Creek^ a small stream in the southwestern part of 
Washington and southeast part of St. Clair counties. It 
rises in the northwestern part of Perry county, takes a 
northwestern direction, and enters the Kaskaskia river 
opposite an island in township two south, six west. A 
smaller creek, in the same region, is called Little Mud 
creek. 

Mud Creeks a hranch of Vermilion river in Livingston 
county. It rises in the prairie, runs siuthwest, and enters 
Vermilion, twelve miles below Otter creek. Weed's set- 
tlement is on it near the head of the timber. 

Muddy^?i small stream and branch of the Embarras, in 
Lawrence county, ten miles west from Lawrenceville. 

Muddy^ a branch of the Little Wabash that flows into 
it on its eastern side, in Clay county, just below the Vin- 
cennes road. Between the two streams for some distance, 
is a swamp, which overflows in high water. 

Muddy Crcek^ in Lawrence county, rises in the prairie, 
runs north of east, and enters the Embarras, five miles 
above Lawrenceville. Land, second rate; population forty 
or fifty families. 

Muddy Fork, a branch of the Embarras river, in Coles 
county, that enters the Embarras, three miles below the 
national road. 

Muddy Point, in the southwestern part of Coles county, 
and one of the heads of the Little Wabash. The timber is 
excellent, prairie adjoining is rolling and rich, and the 
settlement consists of eighty or one hundred families. 

Mud Prairie is on Mud creek, a small branch of Big 
Beaucoup creek. It lies in Washington and Perry coun- 
ties, fourteen miles northeast from Pinckneyville, and is 
level and rather wet. 



OF ILLINOIS. 259 

Mud Prairie, in Wayne county, eight miles northwest 
froTi Fairfield, is a low, wet tract, rightly named. 

Mulberry Grove, a small grove at the head of Apple 
creek, near the boundary line of Morgan and Sangamon 
counties. 

Mulberry Grove Post Office^ the eastern side of Bond 
county, on the road to Vandalia. 

Muskeeto Creek, rises in the large prairie of Macon coun- 
ty, and enters the North fork of Sangamon, in Sangamon 
county. 

Muscooten Bay, a large body of water in the northwest 
part of Morgan county, that unites with the Illinois river 
just above Beardstown. In high water it becomes con- 
nected with the Sangamon river. 

Napierville, a town in Cook county, on the east side of 
the west fork of the Du Page, and has four stores, a saw 
and grist mill, a school, twenty-five families, and two- 
hundred and fifty inhabitants. The country around is dry, 
undulating surface, and rich soil, with a tolerable supply 
of timber on the Du Page. 

Naples, a commercial town in IMorgan county, situated 
on the Illinois river, two miles above the mouth of the 
Mauvaiseterre, on section twelve, township fifteen north, 
in range fourteen west from the third principal meridian. 

It is laid off on a level prairie, at the foot of a sand 
ridge, and above ordinary high water. Very occasionally, 
extreme floods will come over a portion of the town site. 

Here are several stores, three taverns, a medical and 
drug shop, two physicians, a number of mechanics, three 
steam mills, and one hundred families. 

Its commerce is considerable. In 1835, the arrivals and 
departures of steamboats amounted to 302. Exports in 
produce, 1835, ^965,000. Imports in merchandise and 
sold wholesale and retail, 25,000. A railroad to Jackson- 
ville is now in progress of construction; distance, via 
Bethel, 20 miles. 

Narrows, or Little Detroit, a place so called, on Peoria 
lake five miles above Peoria. The bluffs from the west 



260 A GAZETTEER 

side here touch the lake, and the Galena road runs at the 
foot. 

Narrows* Two places in Morgan county bear this name. 
One is now Sweefs Settlement^ five miles east of Jackson- 
ville. The other is on the road from Springfield to Beards- 
town, ten miles from the latter place. Here is a fine 
settlement, good prairie, with points and groves of timber. 
The settlement receives its name from two points of tim- 
ber approaching. 

Nashville, the seat of justice for Washington coun- 
ty, is situated on a beautiful and elevated prairie, near the 
head of Little Crooked creek, and two and a half miles 
south of east from the centre of the county. 

It is situated on section twenty-four, township two 
south, range three west of the third principal meridian. 
It contains three stores, several mechanics, a steam mill, 
and fifteen or twenty families. It is on the borders of 
an arm of the Grand prairie, elevated, rich and undu- 
lating. 

Nettle Creek, a trifling stream in Morgan county, near 
Winchester. The settlement contains one hundred 
families. 

Nettle Creek, in La Salle county. (See Mason.) 

Newbern, a post office in Greene county, seven miles 
northeast from Grafton. 

New Boston, the seat of justice for Mercer county, 
situated on the Mississippi, two and a half miles above 
the mouth of Edwards river. It is a small but growing 
place. 

New Castle, a town site in the southwest part of McLean 
county in township twenty-one north, range one east. 

New Design is in Monroe county, four miles south of 
Waterloo. This is one of the oldest American settle- 
ments in Illinois. The land was originally a mixture of 
timber and prairie. 

New Haven, a post town, two miles above the mouth of 
the Little Wabash, on the line between Gallatin and 
White counties. Here is a large saw and flouring 



OF ILLINOIS. 261 

mill, with several stores, and about fifteen or twenty 
families. 

New Lexington, a town site and post office eight miles 
northwesterly from Jacksonville, in Morgan county. 
It has two stores, two groceries, and fifteen or twenty 
families. 

NewUii's Settlement, in Crawford county, ten miles north- 
west from Palestine, on the borders of a prairie, with fifty 
or sixty families. 

Newman s Branch, a trifling stream in Morgan county, 
that runs southwest, and enters the Mauvaiseterre north 
of Jacksonville. 

Newport, a town site and landing at the mouth of Apple 
creek, in Greene county. It contains two or three stores, 
and half a dozen families. 

New Salem, a post office and town located in Sangamon 
county, on the southwest side of Sangamon river, on a bluff 
and surrounded with a large settlement. It has three or 
four stores, and thirty families. A grist and saw mill is 
here, erected on Sangamon river. 

It is on section twenty-five, eighteen north, seven west. 
■ Newton, the seat of justice for Jasper county, situ- 
ated on the west side of the Embarras, on the road 
from Palestine to Vandalia and about the centre of the 
county. 

it has one store, one grocery, a Baptist society, and 100 
inhabitants. 

New Virginia, a settlement and tract of country in Bond 
county, two miles east of Greenville, and on the head 
waters of Beaver creek. Here are several fine oroves, and 
good prairie. 

Nine Mile Creek, in Randolph county. It rises north- 
east of Kaskaskia, takes a western direction, and en- 
ters the Kaskaskia river ten or twelve miles above the 
town. 

A branch of it is called Little Nine Mile creek. 

Nine Mile Prairie, in Perry county, lies ten miles 
east of Pinckneyville, and a post office of the same 
name. 



262 A GAZETTEER 

It is about nine miles in diameter, tolerably level, and 
considerable population around it. 

North Arm^ a prairie and a settlement, in Edgar county, 
six miles east of Paris. The prairie is good land, about 
three miles wide. Its east end runs to the state line, and 
its west end unites with the grand prairie. The settle- 
ment is large and dense. 

North Fork, a post office, in section twenty-five, town- 
ship twenty-two north, twelve west in Vermilion county. 

North Fork of the Emharras rises in the southwest part 
of Clark county, runs south near the line between Crawford 
and Jasper, and enters the Emharras at the southeast 
corner of the latter county. The country is a level, tim- 
bered tract, in some places rather wet. 

North Fork of the Macoupin. This stream is the same 
as Hodges's or Otter creek, but the settlement, which is 
extensive and flourishing, is known by the name of North 
Fork. 

North Fork of Salt Creek. It rises in McLean county, 
and, with Lake fork, forms the head of one of the principal 
branches of the Sangamon river. 

North Grove, in Cass county, is at the head of Clear 
creek, twelve miles east from Beardstown. It has fine 
timber. 

No7'th Grove at the head of Leaf river in Ogle county. 

North Prairie, in Morgan county, twelve miles north 
easterly from Jacksonville, is a delighiful tract of rich, 
dry, undulating prairie. A large settlement surrounds it, 
and several families from Virginia have recently made 
locations in it. 

North Prairie, on the south side of the Mauvaiseterre 
in Morgan county, and adjoining Walnut creek. It is 
level. 

Norris^s Settlement in Greene county, twelve miles north- 
easterly from Carrollton, with a proportion of timber and 
prairie, rather level, but good soil. 

Norwegian Grove is on the east fork of the Kishwaukee 
in Boone county. 

Oakland^ a post office and settlement in Coles county, 



OF ILLINOIS. 263 

14 miles northeast from Charleston, and on the road from 
Springfield to Paris and Terre Haute. 

Ogle's Creek, a small stream in St. Clair county that 
rises in the west end of Ogle's prairie, runs a northeast 
course and enters Silver creek. 

Oglt^s Prairie, a beautiful, undulating prairie, in St. 
Clair county, five miles north of Belleville. It is five 
miles long, and from one to two miles wide, surrounded, 
and partly covered, with a flourishing settlement and fine 
farms. 

Ohio Settlement, in Fork prairie. Bond county, five miles 
north of Greenville, is of considerable extent. The land 
is second rate. 

Ohio Grove is in the east fork of the Kishvsraukee four 
miles from its mouth, near the corners of Winnebago and 
Boone counties. 

Okaii, {Au Kas, Fr.) a name frequently given to the 
Kaskaskia river. 

It appears to have been originally a contraction, using 
the first syllable for the whole name, and prefixing the 
article — a practice common among the early settlers and 
explorers of Illinois. 

Okatipost office is in Washington county, section twenty- 
five, township one south, five west, on the road from 
Nashville by Middleton's Ferry to Lebanon. 

Okau Settlement, in the southeastern part of Macon 
county, twenty miles from Decatur, lies on the West fork 
of the Kaskaskia, and contains twenty or thirty families. 

Olmsted's Mound, an eminence in the prairie in Morgan 
county, eight miles south of west from Jacksonville. It 
was the temporary seat of justice for this county previous 
to 1825. 

Oldmari's Creek, a small stream in the country attached 
to La Salle county, that enters Rock river eighteen miles 
above Dixon's ferry. 

diverts sometimes called Allen''s Prairie, in the corner 
of Hancock, Adams, and Schuyler counties. It is twelve 
miles long, and from two to four miles broad. 

Old Town Timber, (See Dawson's Grove.) 



264 A GAZETTEER 

O^NeaVs Creek, is a branch of Crooked creek, in Schuy- 
ler county, ten miles from Rushville. 

Ono, a post office in Edgar county, on section four, 
township fourteen north, eleven west, six miles north- 
northeast from Paris. 

Orendorff's Mill and settlement is on Sugar creek, in 
the south part of Tazewell county. The settlement is 
large, and the land good. 

Oregon City, is the temporary seat of justice for Ogle 
county, situated on the north side of Rock river on a hand- 
some elevated alluvion bottom, ten miles above Grand 
Detour, and fifteen miles above Dixonville. It has two 
stores and eight or ten families. 

Ottawa, the seat of justice for La Salle county, was 
laid off by the canal commissioners, in 1830, at the junc- 
tion of Fox river with the Illinois, and is thought by many 
to be an important location for business. 

It is laid off on both sides of the Illinois river, on the 
entire section numbered eleven, and in township thirty- 
three north, in range three east of the third principal me- 
ridian. 

At the town site, the water of the Illinois is deep, and 
the landing convenient. Steamboats reach this place in 
the spring, and at other seasons when the water is high. 

Below, for the distance of eight or nine miles, are rapids 
and shoals, formed by barriers of sand and lime stone 
rock. Ottawa has 8 or 10 stores, 2 taverns, 3 physicians, 
5 lawyers, and 75 or 80 families. Large additions have 
been made to the town plat by laying off additional lots on 
lands adjoining. It is expected a lateral canal from the 
Illinois and Michigan canal will pass through the town 
to the Illinois river. This, by means of a feeder to 
the rapids of Fox river will open a navigation into 
Kane county. Fox river is susceptible of improvement 
by slackwater at small expense, into the Wisconsin 
territory, and from thence by a short canal of fifteen 
miles may become connected with Milwaukee. Hence Ot- 
tawa may be regarded as one of the most important sites 
for commercial business in the state. Near it dams are 



OF ILLINOIS. ^ 265 

already projected across the Illinois river and imniense 
"water power thus created. The Ottawa Repuhlican a 
weekly paper is published here. 

The country around is pleasant, undulating, and well 
adapted to farming-. The timber is in small quantities, 
chiefly in groves; the prairie land generally dry and rich 
soil. 

Lime, and coarse free stone, in great abundance. 

Otter Creek^ a small stream that rises in the prairies in 
the southwestern part of Greene county, runs a westerly 
course, and enters the Illinois river about fourteen miles 
above its junction with the Mississippi. 

Towards its head is fine, undulating prairie, but lower 
down the surface is timbered and broken. 

Otter Creek rises in the southwestern part of Fulton 
county, runs east, then south, and enters the Illinois in 
section twenty-two, three north, three east. Large bodies 
of timber and good coal are on this stream. 

Otter Crcek^ in Livingston county, rises in La Salle 
county, runs southwest, and enters Vermilion river in 
the southwest corner of thirty north, four east. Here 
is a valuable body of timber, rolling and rich prairie 
and a large settlement. 

Out House Settlement, on Sugar creek, in Clinton county, 
twenty-two miles southwest from Carlyle. 

Ox Bow Prairie is in Putnam county, ten miles south 
of Hennepin. It is a rich prairie, five miles long, and 
from one to two miles wide, shaped like au ox bow, and 
surrounded with excellent timber. The prairie is over- 
spread with fine farms. 

Paddock''s Settlement is in Madison county, on the Spring- 
fiele road, seven miles north of Edwardsville. The prai- 
rie is undulating, fertile, and healthy. 

Panktfs Settlement is in the southeast corner of Pope 
county. 

Panther Greek heads in McLean county, runs southeast, 
and enters the Mackinau near the county line. 

Panther Creek, in Sangamon county, a trifling stream 
and branch of Sugar creek, in fifteen north, five west. 
23 



266 A GAZETTEER 

Panther Creek is in the northeastern part of Morgan 
county, and enters Sangamon river. 

Panther Grove, a point of timber on Panther creek, in 
Morgan county. 

Another grove, called Little Pantlier, lies east of it. 

Palestine, the seat of justice for Crawford county, 
situated three miles from the Wabash river, on the bor- 
ders of Lamotte prairie, and in sections thirty-three and 
thirty-four, township seven north, in range eleven west of 
the second principal meridian. 

It is twenty-five miles north of Vincennes, in latitude 
thirty-eight degrees, fifty-eight minutes north, and eighty- 
two miles east irom Vandalia. 

It has 4 stores, 2 groceries, 3 taverns, 2 lawyers, 4 phy- 
sicians, 2 ministers, about 450 inhabitants, 2 apothe- 
caries' shops and a land office, and mechanics of various 
trades. 

The religious denominations are Presbyterians, Metho- 
dists and Baptists. The Methodists have a house of wor- 
ship. 

Pahner^s Settlement, above the south fork of Spoon river, 
in the county of Knox, and near the line of Fulton 
county. 

Pappoose Creek rises in the swampy land in the eastern 
part of Boone county, runs a southwestern course and 
enters the North Fork of the Kishwaukee. Timber oak 
barrens, chiefly bur oak; soil sandy and jjravelly. 

Paradise, a post office at the head of the Little Wa- 
bash, in Coles county, on the road from Shelby ville to 
Charleston. 

Paris, the county seat for Edgar county, on section one, 
thirteen north, twelve west of the second principal meri- 
dian. It is a pleasant village, on the borders of a rich 
prairie, surrounded with good farms, and has a court house 
of brick, 7 stores, 2 groceries, 1 tavern, 4 physicians, 3 
lawyers, and about 55 families, or 275 inhabitants. 

Parker^s Prairie is a large, level prairie, on the western 
side of Clark county, somewhat wet, soil second rate. A 
considerable settlement. 



OF ILLINOIS. 267 

Parher^s Seitlement is ten miles southwest from Pa- 
lestine, in Crawford county. A mixture of timber and 
prairie, and about forty families. 

Farr^s Settlement is in Bond county, seven miles north 
of Greenville, adjoining, and within the timbered tract, 
on the East fork of Shoal creek. 

Fatipau Grove is at the head of Indian creek, Kane coun- 
ty. It is a rich tract of country. 

Peek-a-ton-o-hee, a large, navigable stream that enters 
Rock river, in Jo Daviess county, about six miles below 
the boundary line. It rises in two principal branches, 
near the Blue Mounds, in Wisconsin territory, called the 
East and West forks, which unite before they enter the 
state of Illinois. 

The East fork rises north of the Blue Mounds, near the 
head of Grant river The West fork runs near the Blue 
Mounds. 

After their junction, the Peek-a-ton-o-kee runs first 
a south course into Illinois, thence a southeast course, 
and finally winds round north of east, and enters Rock 
river. It is one hundred yards wide at the mouth, eighty 
yards wide at the boundary line, and is navigable for 
flat boats to Mineral Point, in the Wisconsin terri- 
tory. 

I have had no little trouble in determining the ortho- 
grrphy of this name. Its aboriginal meaning is said to 
be " Swift loafer/^ By many persons it is written and 
pronounced Pik-e-tol-e-ka. I have adopted the ortho- 
graphy and pronunciation of gentlemen from its vi- 
cinity. 

Pekin is situated on the east side of the Illinois river, 
twelve miles below Peoria, on fractional section thirty- 
three, twenty-five north, five west of the third principal 
meridian, on a sandy bluff, elevated and pleasant. The 
landing is tolerably good at a moderate stage of the river, 
but too shoal at the low stage. 

Pekin contains twelve stores, three groceries, two 
taverns, (and a splendid hotel building by a company.) 
seven lawyers, four physicians, four ministers of the gos- 



268 A GAZETTEER 

pel, one drug store, three forwarding and commission 
houses, two houses for slaughtering and paekiuiJ" pork, 
one auction house, a printing office which issues the 
Tazewell Telegraph, and about eight-hundred inhabi- 
tants. 

There is also one steam flouring mill that manufac- 
tures two hundred barrels of flour per day, a steam saw 
mill and two steam distilleries, an academy and a com- 
mon school. 

The religious denominations are Presbyterian, Metho- 
dist and Unitarian, which have houses of worship. 

Peoria, the seat of justice for Peoria county, situated 
on the west bank of the Illinois river, on section nine, 
eight north, eight east, and formerly called Fort Clark. 

From a report made by Edward Coles, Esq. formerly 
governor of Illinois, to the Secretary of the treasury, it 
may be learned, " The old village of Peoria was situated 
one mile and a half above the lower extremity or outlet 
of the Peoria lake. This village had been inhabited by 
the French previous to the recollection of the present 
generation. About the year 1778 or 1779, the first house 
was built in what was then called La Ville de Mailiet, 
afterwards the new village of Peoria, and which has re- 
cently been known by the name of Fort Clark, situated 
about one mile and a half below the old village, imme- 
diately at the lower point, or outlet of the lake. The - 
situation being preferred on account of the water being 
better, and its being thought more healthy, the inhabi- 
tants gradually deserted the old village, and by the year 
1796 or 1797, had entirely abandoned it, and removed to 
the new one. 

" The inhabitants of Peoria consisted generally of In- 
dian traders, hunlers, and voyagers, and had long formed 
a link of connection betwen the PVench residing on the 
great lakes and the Mississippi river. From that happy 
felicity of adapting themselves to their situation and as- 
sociates, for which the French are so remarkable, the 
inhabitants of Peoria lived generally in harmony with 
their savage neighbours. It appears, however, that about | 



OF ILLINOIS. 269 

the year 1781, they were induced to abandon the village 
from an apprehension of Indian hostility; but soon after 
the peace of 1783, they again returned, and continued to 
reside there until the autumn of 1812, when they were 
forcibly removed from it, and the place destroyed by a 
captain Craig, of the Illinois militia, on the ground, it 
was said, that his company of militia was fired on in the 
night, while at anchor in their boats before the village, 
by Indians, with whom the inhahitants were suspected 
by Craig to be too intimate and friendly." 

The inhabitants being thus driven from the place, 
fled to the French settlements on the Mississippi for 
shelter. 

In 1813, Peoria was occupied by the United States 
troops, and a block house erected and called Fort Clark. 
The timber was cut on the opposite side of the lake, and 
with considerable labor transported across, and hauled 
on truck wheels by the men. 

After the termination of the war. Fort Clark was aban- 
doned, and the buildings soon after burnt by the Indians. 

The present town is near its ruins. 

Without intending to do injustice to several other beau- 
tiful town sites along the upper parts of the Illinois river, 
amongst which is Pekin, Hennepin, the foot of the rapids, 
Ottawa, etc. I shall copy from Beck's Gazetteer the fol- 
lowing description of Peoria. 

"The situation of this place is beautiful beyond de- 
scription. From the mouth of the Kickapoo, or Redhnd 
creek, which empties, into the Illinois two miles below 
the old fort, the alluvion is a prairie which stretches it- 
self along the river three or four miles. 

" The shore is chiefly made up of rounded pebbles, 
and is filled with springs of the finest water. The first 
bank, which is from six to twelve feet above high water 
mark, extends west about a quarter of a mile from the 
river, gradually ascending, when it rises five or six feet to 
the second bank. This extends nearly on a level to the 
bluffs, which are from sixty to one hundred feet in height. 
These bluffs consist of rounded pebbles, overlaying strata 

23* 



270 A GAZETTEER 

of lime stone and sand stone, rounded at the top, and cor- 
responding in their course witii the meanders of the river 
and lake. The ascent, although steep, is not perpendi- 
cular. On the bluffs, the surface again becomes level, 
and is beautifully interspersed with pfeirie and woodland. 

*' From the bluffs the prospect is uncommonly fine. 
Looking towards the east you first behold an extensive 
prairie, which, in spring and summer, is covered with 
grass, with whose green the brilliant hues of a thousand 
flowers form the most lively contrast. Beyond this, the 
lake, clear and calm, may be seen emptying itself into, 
or by its contraction forming the river, whose meanders, 
only hid from the view by the beautiful groves of timber 
which here and there arise, can be traced to the utmost 
extent of vision." 

Peoria is now rapidly advancing in population and im- 
provements. In the summer of 1833, it consisted of 
about twenty-five families. These more than doubled in 
a few weeks from emigration. 

Peoria now has twenty-five stores, two wholesale and 
five retail groceries, two drug stores, two hotels and se- 
veral boarding houses, two ifree schools and an incorpo- 
rated academy, two Presbyterian houses of worship and 
congregations, one Methodist, one Baptist, one Unita- 
rian and one Episcopal congregation, six lawyers, eight 
or ten physicians, one brewery, two steam sawmills, the 
usual proportion of mechanics, a court house and jail and 
a population from fifteen to eighteen hundred, and ra|)idly 
increasing. The " Peoria Register and Northwestern 
Gazetteer" is issued weekly, by S. M.Davis, Esq. The 
religious people of this place appear to have been uncom- 
monly liberal, by contributing about twenty-three thousand 
dollars the past year for philanthropic purposes. 

Feoria Lake, an expansion of the Illinois river, com- 
mencing at Peoria, and extending about twenty miles in 
a northeasterly direction. It is much wider than the river, 
and has very little current. The water is clear, and its 
bottom gravelly. It may be considered as two lakes, di- 
vided by the Narrows. It abounds with various kinds of 



OF ILLINOIS. 271 

fish, such as sturgeon, buffalo, bass of several species, 
perch, white fish, pickerel, etc., which can be caught with 
the seine in great abundance. 

The Indian name for this lake is Pin-a-ta-wee. Some 
authors call it Illinois Lake. 

Perkiti's Seitkment is in the northeast part of Hancock 
county, on the head waters of Crooked creek. The name 
of the post office is Fountain Green. 

Pcra^ a j)ost office, landing and town site, on the north 
side of the Illinois river, on section sixteen, township 
thirty-three north, one east, and one mile below the termi- 
nation of the Illinois and Michigan canal. It has one 
"warehouse and two or three families. 

Perry., a town site in Pike county, on section twenty- 
one, township three south, three west. It has two or 
three stores, several families, and is a pleasant village, 
surrounded with a fine country, diversified with timber 
and prairie. 

Petersburg, a town and post office, on the west side of 
Sangamon river, in Sangamon county, on fractional sec- 
tion fourteen, township eighteen north, seven west, and 
about seventeen miles nortiieast from Springfield. It has 
six stores, a steam saw and grist mill, and twenty fami- 
lies. 

Phelps^s Grove is on a small stream in Ogle county, 
that enters Rock river three miles above Oregon city. 

Phelps^s Prairie, in Franklin county on the waters of 
Crab Orchard creek, twelve miles south of Frankfort, is 
good land, and somewhat rolling. 

In its neighbourhood is Poor prairie, a wet, level tract; 
and Wrighfs prairie, an undulating tract, with a consider- 
able settlement. 

Phlgley''s Settlement lies between the head waters of 
McKee's creek and Bear creek, in Adams county. It has 
about twenty-five families. The land is rather flat, but 
good, — about twenty miles east from Quincy. 

PliiVs Creek enters the Macoupin on the south side, 
about the middle of township nine north, eleven west. 
It heads in the prairies near the sources of the Piasau. 



272 A GAZETTEER 

There is considerable limber, with excellent prairie on the 
borders of this stream. 

Fhillips^s Settlement,, in the northwestern part of Alex- 
ander county, on Sexton's creek, twenty-five miles from 
America, consists of eight or ten families. 

Piankeshau Bend., on the Wabash river, in Wabash 
county, eighteen miles north from Mount Carmel. It is a 
fertile tract, timber rather scarce, with a mixture of prairie 
and barrens. 

Piasau, a small stream that rises in a beautiful tract of 
country near the line of Greene and Macoupin counties, 
and enters the Mississippi about ten miles above Lower 
Alton. 

Pigeon Creek is a stream that rises in Adams county, 
and runs westward near that and Pike county, which it 
enters, and passes into the Snycariee slough three miles 
below the county line. 

In the bottom, the land is level, dry, and excellent — on 
the bluffs, somewhat broken. 

Pilot Knob, in the western part of Washington county, 
a singular eminence and point of observation on the old 
Vincennes and Kaskaskia trace. 

PiNCKNEYViLLE, a Small village, and the seat of justice 
for Perry county. It is situated on the west side of Big 
Beaucoup creek, at the head of the four mile prairie, and 
on section twenty-four, five south, three west, it has four 
stores, one tavern, one grocery, and fifteen or twenty fami- 
lies, and is surrounded with a large settlement of indus- 
trious farmers. 

Pine Creek, in Ogle county. It rises in the prairie be- 
tween Rock river and White Oak grove, runs a southeast 
course and enters Rock river at Grand Detour, and is a 
good mill stream. Its timber is shrubby pine, white, 
black, red and bur oaks, hickory, linden, sugar maple, 
elm, &c. One-sixth part of the land on its borders is 
timbered. The prairie adjoining is elevated, rolling and 
rich, and the country abounds with fine springs. 

Pinusj a post office in Jackson county, on section thirty- 



OF ILLINOIS. 273 

four, township ten south, two west, twelve miles south- 
southeast from Brownsville. 

Piper'^s Pointy a settlement in Greene county, sixteen 
miles northeast from Carrollton, adjoining String prairie, 
and the timher of Apple creek. The land is tolerably 
level, rich, and proportionably divided into limber and 
prairie. There are sixty or seventy families in this set- 
tlement. 

Piskusau, a branch of Kishwaukee. It rises in Boone 
county, and some of its head branches probably over the 
boundary line, runs a southwestern course, and enters the 
north branch of the Kishwaukee, in section iwenty-five, 
township forty-four north, range four east. Near its head 
the soil is wet, but further down, dry and undulating. 

PiTTSFiKLD, the new seat of justice for Pike county, 
was laid off in April, 1833, on the southw^est quarter of 
section tweniy-four, five south, four west. It is a high 
and healthy situation, in an undulating prairie, and on the 
dividing ridge nearly equidistant from the Illinois and 
Mississippi rivers. The country around is fertile, and 
proportionably distributed into timber and prairie, and is 
rapidly settling. 

Pittsfield has three stores, two groceries, two taverns, 
three lawyers, one physician, several mechanics, and from 
150 to 200 inhabitants. 

Plalnjield., a village and post town in Will county, on 
section nine, township thirty-six north, nine east, and 
nine miles north-northwest from Juliet. 

It has two stores, two taverns, several mechanical 
trades, a Methodist and a Baptist congregation with 
houses of worship, and between four and five hundred in- 
habitants. 

Plainfield is beautifully situated on an undulating prai- 
rie, east side of the Du Page, and adjoining Walker's 
grove. 

P/a/o, a town site laid off on Iroquois river, four miles 
from the mouth of Sprino- creek, in Iroquois county. A 
steam mill is to be erected here. 

Pleasant Grove^ in Boone county, on the stage road from 



274 A GAZETTEER 

Chicago to Galena, on the southeast side of the Kishwau- 
kee, and twelve miles east of Belvidere. It is about four 
miles long and one mile wide, surrounded with a lich, un- 
dulating prairie. A considerable settlement around. 

Pleasant Grove, three miles long and one wide, and a 
settlement of twenty-five or thirty families, in Tazewell 
county, eight miles east of Pekin,on t^e waters of Dil- 
lon's creek. The land is rich, and the timber consists of 
walnut, sugar maple, linden, oak, etc. 

Pleasant Grove, in Morgan county, a settlement on the 
borders of Sweet's prairie, between Manchester and Win- 
chester. The land in this quarter is good, with a due mix- 
ture of timber and prairie. 

Pleasant Vale, a town site and post office in Pike county, 
on section nine, township five south, six west, seventeen 
miles northwest from Pittsfield. It is pleasantly situated 
under the bluffs, and surrounded with rich land, both tim- 
ber and prairie. 

Plum Creek, in Randolph county, enters the Kaskaskia 
river from the east side, eighteen miles above Kaskaskia. 

Plum Creek rises in the prairie of Morgan county, west 
of Jacksonville, runs west, and enters the Illinois river 
below Phillip's ferry. 

Plum Creek Prairie is near the boundary line of St. 
Clair and Randolph counties, ten miles long, and three 
broad ; good soil, and scattering settlements along its 
borders. 

Plum River, in Jo Daviess county, rises near Kellogg's 
grove, runs southwest, and enters the Mississippi ten miles 
below Rush creek. It is a good mill stream. 

Above its mouth are rapids, The country along its 
borders is a mixture of limber and prairie. It is divided 
into South, North, and Middle forks, and here is some of 
the finest farming land in the country. 

Point Republic, a post office and settlement, near the 
Vermilion river, in La Salle county, and on the road from 
Hennepin to Ottawa. 

Polecat Creek, a stream in Coles county, that rises in 
the prairies towards Edgar county, runs southwest, and 



OF ILLINOIS. 275 

enters the Embarras east of Charleston. Near it^ head 
is a very fertile region, well timbered: further down the 
surface is broken. The settlennent has thirty families. 

Pond Slough, ihe name given to the outlet of a line of 
ponds in Johnson county, between Big Bay creek and 
Cash river. It is a deep, muddy channel. [See Cash 
river.] 

Pope^s River rises in the great prairies in the south part 
of Henry county, between Henderson's and Edwards's 
rivers, runs a west course through Mercer county, and 
enters the Mississippi, a few miles below Edwards's river. 
In Mercer county there are some fine tracts of timber on 
this stream, further up it passes through a prairie country. 
The land generally on Pope's and Edwards's rivers is 
abundantly rich, but there is a deficiency of limber. 

Postville, in the northeastern part of Sangamon count}'^, 
on section tvveniy-five, township twenty north, range three 
east, and on the north side of Salt creek. It has 2 stores, 
1 grocery, and 3 or 4 families. 

Potatoe Creek rises on the west side of Fulton count}'-, 
near Table grove, runs a southeastern course, and enters 
Spoon river about four miles west of Lewistown. Excel- 
lent land, both prairie and timbered, adjoins it. 

Prairie Creek in Sangamon county, a trifling stream 
that rises in the prairie between Spring and Richland 
creeks; makes a circuit in sixteen north, six west, and 
enters the latter before its junction with Sano-amon river. 

Prairie de Long Creek rises north of Waterloo, near the 
dividing line of St. Clair and Monroe counties, runs south- 
easterly through the eastern part of Monroe, receives 
Richland creek, and enters the Kaskaskia river in the 
southwestern part of township three scuth, range seven 
west. Along its borders is a coiisiderable settlement, and 
the soil in some parts is good, in others inferior. 

Prairie du Pont, [pronounced Prairie du Po, Fr.] a 
small stream in St. Clair county. It rises in the bluffs 
southwest of Belleville, passes through the American 
bottom, and enters the Mississippi in the southwestern 
part of the county. 



276 A GAZETTEER 



- An old French village, with the appen- 

dage of commons and common fields to the same, located 
a short distance south of Cahokia. 

Prairie du JRocher, an ancient French village, in Ran- 
dolph county, on the American bottom, near the Rocky 
bluffs, from which it derives its name, fourteen miles 
northwest of Kaskaskia. It is a low, unhealthy situa- 
tion, along a small creek of the same name, which rises 
in the bluffs, passes across the American bottom, and en- 
ters the Mississippi. The houses are built in the French 
style, the streets very narrow, and the inhabitants preserve 
more of the simplicity of character and habits peculiar to 
early times, than any village in Illinois. It has its village 
lots, common fields, and commons, the peculiarities of 
which are noticed under the article " Cahnkia.''^ 

Prairie du Rocher, in 1766, contained fourteen families; 
the population at present is estimated at thirty-five fami- 
lies. 

Here is a Catholic church dedicated to St. Sulspice, 
but at present has no resident priest. American settlers 
have not yet disturbed the repose of this ancient commu- 
nity. The ruins of Fort Chartres are three miles north 
west from this village. 

FraiVs Prairie^ in the northeastern part of Greene 
county, fifteen miles northwesterly from Carrollton. 

Prather''s Settlement, on Apple creek, in the north- 
eastern part of Greene county, sixteen miles from Carroll- 
ton. 

Preston, a town site in Randolph county, east of the 
Kaskaskia river. 

Prophefs village, a post office and town site on Rock 
river, in Henry county, and on the road from Rushville 
and Warren county to Galena. 

On the south side of the river is a handsome town site, 
on a high, undulating bottom. The opposite side of the 
river is inundated at high floods. 

Rock river can be forded at this place for two-thirds of 
the year. It is about two hundred yards wide. 



OF ILLINOIS. 277 

The country around will admit of considerable settle- 
ments. 

Prospect HilU in St. Clair county, one mile south of 
Belleville, and the residence of Major Washington West. 
Spread out before this delightful situation is one of the 
most beautiful prairies in the state, about five miles in 
extent, and partially covered with well cultivated farms. 

Prince's Settlement is on a branch of Spoon river, twen- 
ty miles northwest from Peoria, in ten and eleven north, 
ranges six and seven east. Here are three groves of tim- 
ber, from which at least one hundred farms might be sup- 
plied. The soil is a rich clay, and undulating. The pre- 
sent population does not exceed fifteen families. 

Princeton^ a town site on the borders of Jersey prairie, 
in Morgan county, ten miles north from Jacksonville, in 
township seventeen north, in range ten west. The sur- 
face is undulating, and the surrounding country one of 
of the finest tracts of land in the state, and the settlement 
is large. The post oflice is called Workman, 

Princeton, a town site in Putnam county, in Bureau 
settlement, ten miles north of west from Hennepin. It 
was laid off by colonists from Northampton, Massachu- 
setts, in 1833, contains a post office of the same name, and 
is in the heart of a flourishing settlement and a rich body 
of land. 

Puncheon Camp, a creek near the north side of Mor- 
gan county, that enters the Sangamon. It is divided 
into two branches. A grove of the same name is on this 
stream. 

Putnam Creek rises towards Canton, in Fulton county, 
and taking a southwestern course, enters Spoon river. 

QuiNCY, the seat of justice of Adams county, is situa- 
ted on the bluff of the Mississippi on section two, two 
south, nine west. It has seven stores, four groceries, one 
carding machine, one large flouring and saw mill by steam 
power, with four run of burr stones, two schools, seven 
lawyers, four physicians, several mechanics, about one 
hundred families and six hundred inhabitants. 
34 



378 A GAZETTEER 

The land office for the sale of Congress lands north and 
east of the Illinois river, is located at this place. The 
land in the vicinity is excellent. A low alluvion lies on 
the opposite side of the Mississippi river, vi'hich is over- 
flowed in high waters. 

Quincy must become a place of considerable business. 

Quaker Settlement^ near the Wabash, in the northeast- 
ern part of Crawford county, on Racoon creek. Here is 
a society of Friends who keep up regular meetings. 

Racoon^ a small stream in Greene county, that enters 
the Illinois river twelve miles above its mouth. The bot- 
toms on this creek, and on the Illinois river at this point, 
are narrow, and the surface adjoining is much broken into 
bluffs and ravines. 

Racoon Creek, a small stream that runs across the north 
end of Crawford county, and enters the Wabash. 

Racoon Creek, in the northeastern part of Morgan coun- 
ty, and runs into Dickerson's lake. 

Radcliff's Point, in Washington count}'^, five miles west 
of Nashville, and a small settlement. 

Ramsey'' s Creek rises near the line of Montgomery and 
Shelby counties, runs a southeastern course, and enters 
the Kaskaskia ten miles north of Vandalia. A consider- 
able settlement lies along this creek. This is sometimes 
called Booz Creek. 

Ramsey^s Settlement, in the southwestern part of Madi- 
son county, on Sugar creek, twenty miles from Edwards- 
ville. 

Randleman's Settlement, in St. Clair county, twelve 
miles southwest of Belleville, and near the borders of 
Monroe county. 

Randolph, a town site at the mouth of the Piasau on 
the Mississippi, on fractional sections twenty-five and 
twenty-six, township two north, eleven west and about 
equidistant between Alton and Grafton. It is laid out 
above the Piasau and betwixt that stream and the Missis- 
sippi, on table land, above the highest floods. Abund- 
ance of lime stone and good timber, water privileges and 



OF ILLINOIS. 279 

never failing springs, a good landing for steamboats and 
other advantages are found here. 

Lots to the value of ^20,000 have been sold this spring 
and buildings are in process of erection, especially a large 
hotel. 

Randolpli/s Grove^ on Kickapoo creek, above Big grove, 
above twelve miles south from Bloomington, in McLean 
county. In shape, it is almost circular, and is a valua- 
ble tract of land, containing lime stone, and a population 
of about forty families. The grove comprises about 
twelve sections of timbered land. A post office. 

Rapids of Illinois. There is a succession of rapids in 
the Illinois, both above and below the mouth of Fox 
river, with intervals of deep and smooth water. From 
the mouth of Fox river to the foot of the rapids is nine 
miles — the descent in all eight fest. The rock soft sand 
stone mixed with gravel and shelly lime stone. Nine 
miles above Fox river the grand rapids commence, and 
extend ten or twelve miles. They are formed by ledges 
of rock in the river, and rocky islands. 

The whole descent from the surface of lake Michigan, 
at Chicago, to the foot of the rapids, a distance of nine- 
ty-four and one-fourth miles, is 141 87-100 feet. 

Rapids of the Mississippi. These are distinguished as 
the Lower and Upper rapids. 

The Lower^ or, as frequently called, the Des Moines, he- 
cause opposite the mouth of ihat river, are twelve miles 
long, and formed by beds of rock. They injure the na- 
vigation in low water, and sometimes entirely prevent 
the passage of large boats. 

The Upper Rapids commence at Rock Island, and ex- 
tend eighteen miles up the river. The navigation of 
these rapids is about to be improved by the general go- 
vernment for which purpose an appropriation was made 
last congress. 

Rattan''s Prairie is in Madison county, seven miles 
northwest from Edwardsville. It is level, some portions 
rather wet, and surrounded with fine farms. 

Ray''s Settlement is on the east side of Hancock county, 



280 A GAZETTEER 

in five north, five v;^est — a fine tract on the waters of 
Crooked creek. 

Readficld^ a town site in Pike county on section thirty, 
four south, five west. 

Rector^ s Fork, in Gallatin county, is a hranch of the 
North fork of Saline creek, which it enters fifteen miles 
above Equality. 

Rhoades's Settlement, in Greene county, south of the 
Macoupin, and fifteen miles southeast of Carrollton. A 
mixture of timber and prairie. 

Richland Creeh, a small stream and branch of Sanga- 
mon river. It rises in the prairies near the borders of 
Morgan county, runs a northerly course, and enters San- 
gamon river below Spring creek. The land on its bor- 
ders is first rate. 

Richland, a tributary of the Kaskaskia, in Shelby coun- 
ty, rises on the east side of the county, runs southwest, 
and enters the Kaskaskia river near the line of Fayette. 
A larire settlement in the southeastern part of the county. 

Richland, a small creek in St. Clair county, that rises 
in Ogle's prairie, runs south past Belleville, and unites 
with Prairie du Long creek, in the east part of Monroe 
county. The land upon its borders is proportioned into 
timber and prairie, and of excellent quality. 

Richland Grove, on Camp creek in the eastern part of 
Mercer and western part of Henry county, is a valuable 
body of timber, five miles long, and an average width of 
two miles. It is principall}' in fifteen and six north and 
one east. 

Richwoods. Three tracts of timbered land in Greene 
county are known by this name, one of which is also 
called Linden bottom. 

The timbered tract north of Apple creek, and between 
Apple creek prairie and the Illinois bluffs, bears this 
name. 

A tract of timber lying between Carrollton and Bluff- 
dale, several miles in extent, has also received this name. 
The land is undulating, rich, well timbered, and is occu- 
pied by a large settlement. See Linden bottom. 



OF ILLINOIS. 281 

Ridge Prairie is situated in Madison county, commenc- 
ing near Edwardsville, and extending south to St. Clair 
county. 

It is on the dividing ridge between the waters that fall 
into the Mississippi west, and those that flow to the Kas- 
kaskia east. Originally this prairie extended into St. 
Clair county as far south as Belleville, but long since, 
where farms have not been made, it has been intersected 
by a luxuriant growth of timber. Its surface is gently 
undulating, the soil rich, and is surrounded and indented 
with many fine farms. 

Ridge Prairie post office is at Troy, Madison county, 
seven miles southeast from Edwardsville, on the road to 
Carlyle. 

Ridge Settlement^ in Clinton county, from three to six 
miles south of Carlyle, is a large settlement and in a 
good tract ol land. 

Ridge Settlement lies in Union county, on the road to 
Brownsville, and extends into Jackson county. It is a 
high, hilly, timbered tract of good land, well watered, 
and has from one hundred to one hundred and fifty fami- 
lies. 

River Precinct is the settlement which extends along 
the Wabash river opposite Vincennes, in Lawrence county. 
It is a rich bottom, heavily timbered, and contains sixty 
or seventy families. 

Robinson's Creek rises in the northwestern part of Shel- 
by county runs a south course, and enters the Kaskaskia 
river near Shelbyville. The country on its borders is 
proportioned into timber and prairie, and has a large set- 
tlement. 

Rochester^ a town site in Sangamon county, at the junc- 
tion of the North and South forks of the Sangamon river, 
ten miles east of Springfield, on the principal road to De- 
catur. It has a steam and other mills, and twenty-five 
or thirty families, and a post office. 

Rock Creek rises in Adams county, in one north, seven 
west, runs west, and enters the south prong of Bear creek. 
The land is timber and prairie, and excellent. 

24* 



282 A GAZETTEER 

Rock Creeks a branch of the Mackinau, in Tazewell 
county. 

Rock Creek, in Sangamon county, rises near Clary's 
grove, runs north and enters the Sangamon river, a few 
miles below Richland creek. The land adjoining is ex- 
cellent. 

Rockford, a town site in Winnebago county at the ra- 
pids of Rock river in township forty-four north, and on 
the stage road from Chicago to Galetra. Here is im- 
mense power for hydraulic purposes, and mills are erect- 
ing. 

Rock Island is in the Mississippi, three miles above the 
mouth of Rock river. It is three miles long, and from 
one half to one mile wide, with lime stone rook for its 
base. Fort Armstrong is on its south end. On two sides 
the rock is twenty feet perpendicular above the river, and 
forms the foundation wall of the fort. A portion of the 
island is cultivated. 

Rock Island City is laid out on a magnificent scale, at 
the junction and in the forks between Rock river and the 
Mississippi. In connection a company has been chartered 
to cut a canal from the Mississippi, near the head of the 
upper rapids, across to Rock river, by which it is said, an 
immense hydraulic power will be gained. The town site 
as surveyed, extends over a large area and includes 
Stephenson the seat of justice. 

Rock Port^ a town site in Pike county, on the Snycartee 
Slough, and where it strikes the bluff and high grounds. 
Here the Atlas mills are in operation for sawing and manu- 
facturing flour on an extensive scale. A charter has been 
granted and a company formed to open a steamboat canal 
from the vSnycartee to the Mississippi rivers, at a point 
three miles above Rockport, where the Snycartee ap- 
proaches within half a mile of the Mississippi, and 
thus furnish steamboat navigation direct to the town. 

Rock River a large, navigable stream in the northern 
part of the slate, that enters the Mississippi three miles 
below Rock Island. Its principal head is in a region of 
lakes and swamps, towards Fox river of Green Bay, its 



OF ILLINOIS. 283 

course south, and then southwesterly. Another head is 
Catfish, a streann in Wisconsin territory, that connects 
together the " Four lakes,^^ the head waters of which 
commence in a swamp a few miles south of fort Winne- 
bago. The country towards the head of Rook river is 
made up alternately of swamps and quag mires, ridges, 
of sand and shrubby oaks, with tracts of rich, dry, un- 
dulating land. The Teri-e Tremhlant^ or trembling land, 
is in this region, so called from the shaking of the sur- 
face while passing over it. The militia of Illinois suffered 
much in passing their horses through this country in 1832 
while pursuing the army of Black Hawk. 

After Rock river enters the state of Illinois it receives 
the Peek-a-ton-o-kee, anH several smaller streams, from 
the right; and from the left. Turtle river, Sycamore, Green 
river and several smaller streams. 

Muchof thecountry through which it passesin Illinois is 
prairie. About the mouths of Turtle river and Sycamore 
creek are large bodies of timber. It generally passes along 
a channel of lime and sand stone rock, and has several 
rapids of some extent that injure the navigation at low 
water. The first are three or four miles above its mouth. 
The second are twelve or fifteen miles below Dixon's 
ferry. The next are below the Peek-a-ton-o-kee. 

Thecountry generally along Rock river to the boundary 
line is beautifully undulating, the soil rich, and the tim- 
ber deficient. This, however, will not prevent it from be- 
coming an extensive agricultural region. 

Rock Spring is situated in St. Clair county, on the Vin- 
cennes and St. Louis stage road, eighteen miles east of 
the latter place, and eight and a half miles northeast of 
Belleville. It is an elevated, and a healthy, and pleasant 
situation, in a tract of barrens, selected by the author of 
this work as a permanent residence in 1820. Its name is 
derived from a series of springs that issue from ledges of 
rock a few rods from the public road. Here is a post office, 
and daily mail. 

Hockwellf a town site on the north side of the Illinois 



284 A GAZETTEER 

river above the mouth of Little Vermilion river, on the 
line of the canal. 

Hodgers'^s Creek, called also Turkey fork, a branch of 
Crooked oreek, in McDonough county. [See Vance''s 
settlement.'] 

Rollln's Prairie, in Franklin county, north of Frankfort, 
is six miles long and four miles wide. The land is level 
and good, the settlement small. 

Rome, a town laid off on section five, ten north, nine east 
on the west side of Peoria lake, in Peoria county. Here 
the lake is one mile wide. Population about 150. 

Round Grove is a small tract of timber described by its 
name in Warren county, in ten north, three west. 

RoundPrairie, in the northeastern part of Schuylercoun- 
ty, on Williams's creek twenty miles from Rushville. It is 
a rich, dry, undulating prairie, four miles in diameter, and 
surrounded with timber. 

Round Prairie, in Wabash county, twelve miles north- 
east from Mount Carmel, four milesin diameter, very fertile, 
and has eighteen or twenty fine farms on it. 

Round Prairie, in Bond county, six miles west of 
north from Greenville, is Irom one to two miles in dia- 
meter. It is undulating and rich, surrounded with a 
large body of good timber, and has a considerable set- 
tlement. 

Round Prairie, in Perry county, on the east side of 
Beaucoup, eight or nine miles from Pinckneyvilie. It is 
one mile wide, and from one to two miles long, and has a 
good settlement. 

Round Prairie, the forks of Sugar creek and the south 
fork of Sangamon river, in Sangamon county, a fine tract of 
country, seven miles southeast of Springfield. 

Rush Creek, a small stream in Jo Daviess county, that 
rises between Plum and Apple rivers, runs a southwestern 
course, and enters the Mississippi six or eight miles below 
Apple river. The first six miles from the mouth is low, 
wet, bottom land; above are alternate bottoms and pre- 
cipitous bluffs. At the head is a fine farming country, 
with considerable timber. 



OF ILLINOIS. 285 

RusHviLLE, the seat of justice for Schuyler county, is 
situated in ihe central part of the county, at the south end 
of a beautiful prairie, on section thirty, two north, one 
west, ten miles from the Illinois river at the nearest point, 
and twelve from Beardstown. 

It has eight or ten stores, various mechanics and pro- 
fessional men, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian and 
Campbellite churches, and 1000 inhabitants. A charter 
for a railroad to the Illinois river opposite Beardstown has 
been granted. 

The court house is of brick, two stories, and the people 
have erected a brick school house. Good building stone 
and plenty of coal are found in the vicinity. 

The settlements around Rushville are large, and the vil- 
lage itself exhibits a quietness and neatness in its ex- 
ternal appearance that is pleasing to the traveller. 

Busselts Grove, in McDonongh county, north of westfroni 
Macomb, is a fine tract of timbered land surrounded with 
rich prairie, and a considerable settlement. 

Busselville^ a town site and post office on the Wabash 
river in the northeast corner of Lawrence county. 

Sadorus, a small grove and settlement at the head tim- 
ber of the Kaskaskia, on the road from Springfield to 
Danville. 

Salem, the seat of justice for Marion county, is situated 
on the eastern border of the grand prairie, on the Vincennes 
and St. Louis stage road, on section eleven, two north, 
range two east of the third principal meridian. It is a 
pleasant village of about thirty families. 

Saline, a navigable stream in Gallatin county, that enters 
the Ohio river twelve miles below Shavvneetown, on sec- 
tion five, eleven south, ten east. It is made by three prin- 
cipal branches distinguished as the North, South, aiid 
Middle forks, which unite near Equality. 

The North fork rises near McLeansboro' in Hamilton 
county, and runs a southerly course. 

The South fork rises on the borders of Johnson and 
Franklin counties, takes an easterly course, and unites 
with the North fork. 



286 A GAZETTEER 

The Middle fork rises on the east side of Franklin coun- 
ty, takes a southeasterly course, and unites with the South 
fork a few miles above Equality. 

Saline creek is navigable for steamboats to Equality, 
fourteen miles. 

Salisbury, a village just commenced in the border of the 
timber of Richland creek, ten miles northwest from Spring- 
field, in Sangamon county. 

Salt Creek, in Effingham county, five miles east of Ew- 
ington, and on the west side of the Fourteen Mile prai- 
rie. It is large enough for a mill stream, and enters the 
Little Wabash river ten or twelve miles below Ewing- 
ton. 

. Salt Creek rises in the prairies north of Du Page, runs 
an easterly course and enters the Des Plaines near the 
Chicago road. The timber is good and the prairie land 
dry, undulating, and rich soil. 

The settlement contains fifteen or twenty families; the 
land is tolerably good, and the surface rolling. 

Salt Creek Settlement, on the north side of Macon coun- 
ty, twenty miles from Decatur, of about one hundred fa- 
milies. The land is good, with plenty of prairie. 

Salt Creek post office is in the the above settlement. 

Salt Fraii'ie, in Calhoun county, lying between the 
bluffs and Salt Prairie slough. 

It is a dry, rich prairie, six miles long, and half a mile 
wide, densely settled with about sixty families. Fine 
springs break out from the foot of the bluffs, and a large 
saline rises at the head of the prairie, which furnishes 
abundant salt water for stock. 

Salt Prairie Slough, a small arm of the Mississippi, in 
Calhoun county, six miles long, near the foot of which is 
Gilead. It is navigable for small boats, and affords an 
excellent harbor. 

Sangamon River, a prominent branch of the Illinois. It 
rises in Champaign county, in the most elevated region of 
that portion of the state, and near the head waters of the 
two Vermilions and the Kaskaskia rivers. It waters 
Sangamon and Macon counties, and parts of Tazewell, 



OF ILLINOIS. 287 

McLean, Montgomery, Shelb}^ and Champaign counties. 
Its general course is northwesterly. Besides a number 
of smaller streams, noticed in their alphabetical order, as 
Clary's, Rock, Richland, Prairie, Spring, Lick, Sugar, 
Horse, and Brush creeks, on the south side, and Crane, 
Cantrill's, Fancy, Wolf creeks, and other^streams on the 
north side, its three principal heads are Salt creek, North 
fork, and South fork. 

Salt creek rises in McLean county, twenty-two north, 
ranges four and five east, and runs a westerly course 
through the northwest corner of Macon into Sangamon 
county, where, after receiving Kickapoo and Sugar creeks, 
and several smaller ones, it enters the Sangamon river in 
the northwest part of township nineteen north, range six 
west. Its two principal heads are called the North fork 
of Salt creek, and Lake fork of Salt creek. 

North fork, which may be regarded as the main stream, 
rises in Champaign county, near the heads of the Ver- 
milion river of the Illinois, the Vermilion of the Wabash, 
and the Kaskaskia, in twenty-four north, seven east, in a 
small lake. It runs southwesterly through Macon, then 
south, then west into Sangamon county, where it receives 
South fork and Salt creek. 

The South fork of Sangamon rises by several branches, 
in the northwestern part of Shelby, and the northeastern 
part of Montgomery counties, runs a southeastern course, 
and forms a junction with the North fork in sixteen north, 
four west, seven miles east from Springfield. 

Sangamon river and its branches flow through one of 
the richest and most delightful portions of the Great West. 
Complaints are made of the extent of the prairies, but this 
offers no serious inconvenience for the present. These 
prairies for many years will afford range for thousands of 
cattle. The general aspect of the country on the Sanga- 
mon is level, yet it is sufficiently undulating to permit the 
water to escape to the creeks. It will soon constitute 
one of the richest agricultural districts in the United 
States, the soil being of such a nature that immense crops 
can be raised with little agricultural labor. 



288 A GAZETTEER 

The Sangamon is naviorable for steamboats of the small- 
er class to the junction of the North and South forks, and, 
with a little labor in clearing out the drift wood, each prin- 
cipal fork may be navigated with flat boats for a long dis- 
tance. In the spring of 1832 a steamboat of the larger 
class arrived within five miles of Springfield, and dis- 
charged its cargo. At a small expense in clearing out the 
logs, and cutting the stooping trees, this river would be 
navigable for steamboats half the )'ear. From a bend 
near the mouth of Clary's creek, fifty miles above the 
mouth of the Sangamon, the waters find a channel through 
the low grounds and slou^'hs to the vicinity of Beards- 
town, so that keel-boats can pass in this direction into the 
Sangamon. It is thought that with small expense, a com- 
munication might be opened in this direction. The im- 
provement of the navigation of this river by slackwater, 
the connection with Beardstown by a canal, and the open- 
ing a navigable water communication across the state by 
this route have already been suggested. 

Sangamon^ a village and post office on the left bank of 
Sangamon river, 7 miles northwest from Springfield. It 
has a steam saw and flour mil! and 10 or 12 families. 

Sand Creek is a small stream in Shelby county, ten 
miles northeast of Shelby ville, and enters the Kaskaskia 
river. 

Sand Creek Settlement, in Shelby county, eight miles 
northeast of Shelbyville. The land is good, and the set- 
tlement large. 

Sandy, a small mill stream that rises on the west side of 
La Salle county, runs southwest, and enters the Illinois 
in Putnam county. 

Sandy Creek post ofiice is in La Salle county, on sec- 
tion ten, township thirty north, one west. 

Sandy, a small mill stream in Morgan county. It rises 
near the South fork of the Mauvaiseterre, runs a southwest- 
erly course past Winchester, and enters the Illinois river 
above Apple Creek. 

Sandy, an insignificant stream, and branch of Cash 



OF ILLINOIS. 289 

river, in Alexander county. Tiie land near it is rolling 
surface and rather thin soil. 

Sand Praii-ie, a prairie of some extent, and a settlement 
of eighty or a hundred families, in Tazewell county, four 
miles south of Pekin. A rich sandy soil. 

Sau-ga-nas-kee Swamp, is a sloughed tract of inundated 
land in Cook county, about twenty miles southwest of 
Chicago. After perforating through a few feet of mud, 
the base is found to be lime stone. The canal commis- 
sioners are authorised to cause a survey of this route from 
the Illinois and Michigan canal to the Calumet, for a late- 
ral canal. 

Sauk village, in Rock Island county, was three miles above 
Rock river, and four miles east of Rock Island. This 
was formerly the chief village of the Sauk nation. Here 
were Indian fields fenced with poles, bark cabins, plats of 
blue grass pasture, and a large body of rich prairie land. 

The white settlement here is large, with fine farms. 

Savanna, a town and post office on the Mississippi, 
in Jo Daviess county, above the mouth of Plum creek, and. 
a point for the central rail road from the mouth of Ohio 
to Galena. 

Scatters of Cash. This name is given by the people of 
Johnson county to a succession of ponds in which Cash 
river " «ca^/er.s" itself. They are in township thirteen 
south, two east. 

Seminary Township, a settlement in the southwest 
corner of Fayette county, being five north and one west of 
the third principal meridian. It is a township of land, 
thirty-six miles square, granted by congress to Illinois 
for purposes of education. It has since been relinquish- 
ed to the general government, and in place thereof, an 
equal quantity is to be selected from unsold lands within 
the state. The Kaskaskia river crosses its southeastern 
part, and the Hurricane fork runs through it near its wes- 
tern boundary. 

It is proportioned into timber and prairie, contains much 
good land, and about thirty-five families. 

Senatchwine, a stream in Peoria county, rises in thirteen 
25 



290 A GAZETTEER 

north, eight east, and runs a devious course, nearly par- 
allel with the Illinois, which it enters in section eighteen, 
eleven north, nine east, twenty miles above Peoria. 

There is much good land, both timbered and prairie, 
on this creek, and a settlement of twenty or thirty fami- 
lies. 

It derives its name from a well known Indian chief 
who formerly resided at its mouth. 

Senex, a post office in McLean county, fifteen miles 
east of Bloomington, on section twenty-seven, township 
twenty-three north, four east. 

• Seven Mile Creek, in Ogle county, rises near the Buifalo 
grove, runs an east course, and enters Rock river six 
miles above Dixon's ferry. The country for twenty or 
thirty miles above Dixon's ferry is generally prairie, inter- 
spersed with small groves of three or four hundred acres 
each, gently undulating, soil dry and very rich. From 
thence on the road to Galena the surface is hilly and bro- 
ken. 

Seven Mile Prairie., in White county, seven miles west 
of Carmi, contains a large and flourishing settlement and 
post office. 

Sextants Creek, a small stream in Alexander county, 
running westward, and emptying into the Mississippi a 
short distance below Cape Girardeau. 

The bottom land is rich, but the upland near it is roll- 
ing and rather thin soil. This by mistake is called Sea- 
ton's creek, on some maps. 

Shannon's Store, a post office and settlement, in Ran- 
dolph county, eighteen miles northeast of Kaskaskia, on 
the road to Vandalia. Here is a town site called Colum- 
bus. 

Shawneetown is the principal commercial town in the 
southern part of the state. It is situated on the Ohio river, 
about ten miles below the mouth of the Wabash, in sec- 
tion six, of township ten south, in range ten east of the 
third principal meridian, in latitude thirty-seven degrees 
forty minutes north. 

The bank of the Ohio at this place has a gradual as- 



OF ILLINOIS. 



291 



cent, but is subject to inundation at the extreme floods. 
Between the town and the bluffs the surface is still low- 
er, and more frequently submerged. Though no conside- 
rable sickness has prevailed in this town for some years 
past, it cannot but be regarded as less healthy than the 
more elevated portions of the state. 

Considerable commercial business is transacted at this 
place, both in the wholesale and retail line. It has eight 
or ten stores, several groceries, two public houses, and 
six or seven hundred inhabitants. 

The land office for the district is in Shawneetown. A 
printincr office is here which publishes a weekly paper 
called The " Illinois Advertiser:' There is also a bank 
here which was chartered by the territorial legislature, and 
which has lately recommenced doing business, after a 
suspension of several years. 

Shelbyville, the seat of justice for Shelby county, 
is situated on the west bank of the Kaskaskia river, on 
elevated and timbered land, on section seven, eleven north, 
four east. It has six stores— three groceries— a brick 
court house, forty feet square, two stories, with a cupola 
—and forty-five or fifty families. The country around it 
is excellent land, a mixture of timber and prairie, and the 
settlements are extensive. There is a large sulphur spring 
in the town. 

Shiluh, a settlement in St. Clair county, six miles north- 
east from Belleville. Here is a Methodist meeting house 
and camp ground. 

Shipley's Prairie, a small p'.:iirie in Wayne county, five 
miles southeast of Fairfield, and has fifteen or twenty 
families. 

Shnul Creeh, a fine stream that rises in Montgomery 
county, runs southwesterly through Bond and Clinton, 
and enters the Kaskaskia river in section six, one south, 
four west. It is formed by the union of the East, West, 
and Middle forks, and might be made navigable for small 
craft to a considerable distance. Its branches are Beaver, 
East, and West forks. The timber on its banks is of va- 
rious kinds, and from two to six miles in width, with prai- 



292 A GAZETTEER 

lies between each fork. The soil is second rate, and the 
surface in sonne places is rolling, in others level. 

Shoal Creek Bridge and post office, in Clinton county, 
on the Vincennes and St. Louis road, nine miles west of 
Carlyle. 

Shoal Creek Prairie^ an extensive prairie lying to the 
west of Shoal creek, in Clinton, Bond, and Montgomery 
counties. Its average width is eight miles. It is slight- 
ly rolling, and contains much good land. 

Shoal Creek Settlement^ in Clinton county, twelve miles 
southwest from Carlyle. 

Shockokon, a post office in Warren county, on section 
twelve, township eight north, range six east, and on 
the road from Commerce to Monmouth. 

ShonVs Settlement^ in Mercer county, between Edwards 
river and the Mississippi, and seven miles above New 
Boston. Timber and prairie interspersed; rich, dryland, 
and uneven. 

Shook''s Settlement, in the American bottom, in Monroe 
county. The land around is rich pr?irie. 

Shuey'^s Settlement is in the eastern part of Adams coun- 
ty, near the heads of Bear and McKee's creeks, and the 
land is less rolling than other portions of the same county. 

Silvan Grove, a settlement and post office in Cass coun- 
ty, sixteen miles south-southwest from Beardstown. It 
is at the head of Job's creek, and both the timber and 
prairie are excellent land. 

Sidney, a town site in Champaign county, on Salt Fork 
of the Vermilion river, on the south side of section nine, 
township eighteen north, range ten west, on the northern 
cross rail road from Springfield by Decatur to Danville. 

Silver Creek rises in the northern part of Madison coun- 
ty, runs south into St. Clair, and enters the Kaskaskia in 
section twenty-eight, two south, seven west. It is about 
fifty miles in length, has several branches, and passes 
through a fertile and well populated country, diversified 
with timber and prairie. Its name was given from the 
supposed existence of Silver mines, not far from Rock 



OF ILLINOIS. 293 

Spring, where the early French explorers made conelde- 
rable excavations. 

Sinsinaway^ a streann in the northwest corner of the 
state. It rises in the prairies of Wisconsin territory, runs 
a southwest course, and enters the Mississippi six miles 
above Fever river, and nearly west from Galena. 

Timber scattering-, some cedar and a few pines. 

Sitgreave's Settlemeaty in Clinton county, twelve miles 
south of Carly le. 

Six's Prairie lies in the southern part of Schuyler 
county, seventeen miles west of south from Rushville, 
and seventeen miles northwest from Naples. It is a rich, 
undulating, dry tract, ten miles long, and three miles 
broad, and surrounded with excellent timber. The set- 
tlement commenced in 1829, and now contains seventy- 
five or eighty families. The post ofRce is called Mount 
Sterling. 

Six Mile is the name of a creek, and a settlement, in 
Pike county. The creek heads in the interior and enters 
Snycarlee near the county line of Calhoun. The settle- 
ment on it is large. 

Six Mile Prairie, in the American bottom, southwestern 
part of Madison county — a rich tract of alluvion, with 
fine farms, and surrounded with a heavy body of timber 
— rather unhealthy. 

Six Mile Prairie, in Perry county, nine miles southwest 
of Pinckneyville, is nine miles long and six miles wide. 
It is level, tolerably good soil, and settled along its 
eastern border. 

Skillet Fork, a large branch of the Little Wabash. It 
rises in the prairies east of Vandalia, and running a 
southern course, enters that river in the northern part 
of White county. Its banks are subject to inundation. 
The land adjoining it is fertile, but too level for conveni- 
ence. 

Skillet Fork Settlement, in the northeast corner of Ha- 
milton county. 

Skillet Fork, a settlement in White county, six miles 
25* 



2^4 A GAZETTEER 

northeast of Carmi, in a timbered region, between the 
Skillet fork and Little Wabash. 

Slab Point,, a point of tinriber and a small stream in 
the border of Montgomery county, a few miles west of 
south from Macoupin point, on the road from Springfield 
toEdwardsville. 

Small Pox River, in Jo Daviess county, rises southeast 
of Galena, runs west, and enters the Mississippi at the 
mouth of Fever river, in an acute angle with that stream. 
It is fifteen miles long, the county on its borders very 
broken, has some fertile and level bottom land, and con- 
siderable timber towards its mouth. 

Smallsburg, a town site with mills, etc., on the Em- 
barras, six miles below Lawrenceville. 

SmaWs Settlement, in St. Clair county, six miles south- 
west from Belleville. The land chiefly timbered and 
barrens. 

Smith's Lake, in the Illinois bottom, Morgan county. 
It is below Meredosia, and unites with the river. 

Smithes Settlement is near Shoal creek timber in Bond 
county, four miles south of Greenville. 

Smooth Prairie is in Madison county, in the forks of 
"Wood river, eight miles east from Alton. It is three 
miles long and about two wide, level and rather wet. 

Snake Creek, a branch of Indian creek, in Morgan 
county. 

Snycartee, (in French, Chenail-ecarte, said to mean the 
*'cut off," or " lostchannel,") an arm of the Mississippi, 
in Pike county, commonly called a " slough," in the dia- 
lect of the country. It is a running water at all stages 
of the river, and for several months furnishes steamboat 
navigation to Atlas. It leaves the Mississippi in section 
nineteen, three south, eight west, in Adams county, enters 
it again in Calhoun county, section seven, eight south, 
four west, and runs from one to five miles from the main 
river. It is about fifty miles in length. The land on the 
island is of first rate alluvion, proportioned into timber 
and prairie, but subject to annual inundations. 



OF ILLINOIS. 295 

Snlder''s Settlement is on the south side of Macon 
county. 

Somonauk Creek rises in Kane county, runs a southern 
course, and enters Fox river in La Salle county. It is a 
mill stream. 

South America is a settlement in Gallatin county, fifteen 
miles southwest from Equality, and near the corner of 
Pope and Franklin counties. 

South Fork of Spoon River rises in Warren county, near 
the head of Ellison creek, runs a southeasterly course, 
and unites with the main stream in section four, township 
eight north, range two east. 

Some of the best land in the state lies on this stream. 
This is frequently called West Fork. 

South Prairie, in Morgan county, is on the south side 
of Walnut creek. 

Spanish Needle, a trifling stream in Macoupin county 
that enters Macoupin creek, above Dry fork. 

Spoon River, a large and beautiful river on the military 
tract. A description of its principal heads maybe seen 
by reference to the articles, ^^ Forks of Spoon river,'''' and 
^^ South fork of Spoon river. ''^ After the union of these 
forks, the general course of this river is south till within 
a few miles of its mouth, when it takes a southeasterly 
course and enters the Illinois in section thirty-three, four 
north, four east, directly opposite Havanna. 

This stream is navigated for several miles, and, at a 
trifling expense, in clearincj out the trees and rafts of tim- 
ber, it might be made navigable for one half of the year 
to the forks. 

Large bodies of timber of the best quality line the 
banks of this stream, and the soil in general is inferior to 
none. 

The main river and several of its tributaries furnish 
excellent mill seats. The prairies adjacent are generally 
undulating, dry and fertile. 

Above the mouth of Spoon river is a large lake on the 
west side of the Illinois. 

Spring Bay, a singular basin, about seventy-five rods 



296 A GAZETTEER 

in diameter, adjoining llie Illinois river, in the upper part 
of Tazewell county. In front it opens to the river, the 
waters of which enter and fill it at flood stage. When 
low, they retire and leave the basin dry, excepting a 
stream made by a number of springs which burst forth from 
the sand ridge on three sides of it. On this ridge are 
signs of an old settlement or fortification, A short dis- 
tance below is the mouth of Blue creek, over which is a 
bridge of earth. Below this is a mound, forty-five yards 
in circumference at the base, and twenty feet in height. 
It is said to have been opened, and human skeletons found 
twenty feet from the top. 

Spring Creek enters Sangamon river four miles from 
Springfield. The country bordering is rather level, very 
rich and densely populated. The timber is from two to 
five miles wide, and of excellent quality. 

Spring Creek, in Putnam county, enters the Illinois 
four miles below the I.ittle Vermilion. 

Spring Creek, a branch of the Iroquois river, in Iroquois 
county, excellent timber, and level, rich prairie. 

Springfield one of the largest towns in Illinois, and 
the seat of justice of Sangamon county. It is situated 
on the border of a beautiful prairie on the south side of 
the timber of Spring creek, on sections twenty-seven and 
thirty-four, in township sixteen north, in range five west 
of the third principal meridian. This town was laid off 
in February, 1822, before the lands in this region were 
sold. At the land sales of November, 1823, the tract on 
which the older portion of the town is located, was pur- 
chased and duly recorded as a town. It then contained 
about thirty families, living in small log cabins. The 
surface is rather too level for a large town, into which it 
is destined to grow; hut it is a dry and healthy location. 

Springfield has nineteen dry goods stores, one whole- 
sale and six retail groceries, four public houses, four drug 
stores, one book store, two clothing stores, eleven law- 
yers, eighteen physicians including steam doctors, one 
foundry for castings, four carding machines, mechanics 
and trades of various descriptions, and two printing offices 



OF ILLINOIS. 297 

from which are issued weekly the ^^ Illinois Bepuhlican,^^ 
and the " Sangamon Journal.^^ The public buildings are 
a court house, jail, a market house, and houses of wor- 
ship for two Presbyterian churches, one Methodist, one 
Baptist Reformer, one Episcopalian, and one Baptist so- 
ciety, each of which have ministers, and respectable con- 
gregations. 

The first house built in Springfield was erected fifteen 
years since. The town has increased more than half 
within the last three years. It hus excellent schools for 
both sexes, and an academy. By a recent act of the 
legislature Springfield is to be the permanent seat of go- 
vernment after 1840, and an appropriation has been made 
of ^50,000 and commissioners appointed to build a state 
house. 

Sp7'ing Island Grove, in Sangamon county, from four- 
teen to twenty miles west of Springfield, on the road to 
Jacksonville. It lies at the head of Spring creek, and 
is an excellent timbered tract, surrounded with rich prai- 
rie, from six to ten miles long, and from two to three 
miles wide, and has a flourishing settlement. Many ex- 
cellent springs are found in this tract of country. 

Spring Grove post office, in Warren county, seven miles 
north of Monmouth. 

Spring Pointy in Jasper county, on the national road. 

Squaw Prairie^ in Boone county, lies between the Bea- 
ver and PisUasau creeks. It is round, rich, level, and 
contains about ten sections of land. 

Starved Pock, near the foot of the rapids, and on the 
right bank of the Illinois, is a perpendicular mass of lime 
and sand stone washed by the current at its base, and ele- 
vated 150 feet. The diameter of its surface is about 100 
feet, with a slope extending to the adjoining bluff from 
which alone it is accessible. 

Tradition says that at'ter the Illinois Indians had killed 
Pontiac, the French governor at Detroit, the northern 
Indians made war upon them. A band of the Illinois, in 
attempting to escape, took shelter on this rock, which 
they soon made inaccessible to their enemies, and where 



298 A GAZETTEER 

they were closely besieged. They had secured provi- 
sions, but their only resource for water was by letting' 
down vessels with bark ropes to the river. The wily 
besiegers contrived to come in canoes under the rock and 
cut off their buckets, by which means the unfortunate 
Illinois were starved to death. Many years after, their 
bones were whitening on this summit. 

Steam Point, a point of timber running into the prairie 
that adjoins Brulette's creek, in Edgar county. 

Steefs Mill, a post office and settlement in Randolph 
county sixteen miles east of Kaskaskia, on the Shawnee- 
town road. The soil is of a middling quality. 

Steven^s Creek rises in Macon county, and enters the 
North fork of Sangamon three miles below Decatur. 

Stephenson, the seat of justice of Rock Island county, 
is situated on the Mississippi opposite the lower end of 
Rock Island. It has twenty or thirty families and is in- 
creasing. 

Stillnian''s Run, in Ogle county, formerly called Mud 
Creek, a small stream that runs northwest and enters Rock 
river a few miles below Kishwaukee, where, on the 14th 
of May, 1832, a battalion of militia, consisting of about 
275 men, under the command of Major Isaiah Stillman, 
of Fulton county, were attacked, defeated, and eleven 
men killed, by a portion of the Indian army under the 
celebrated Black Hawk. 

Stinking Creek, see Beaver creek. 

St. Marion, a town site in Ogle county, at Buffaloe 
grove. 

St. Mary's River rises in Perry county, and enters the 
Mississippi six miles below the mouth of the Kaskaskia. 

St. Mary''s, a town and post office on the west side of 
crooked creek in Schuyler couuty, in four north, five 
west, on the mail route from Rushville to Canhage. It 
commenced in 1836, and has two stores, one grocery, and 
a dozen families. 

Stokes^ s Settlement, in the eastern part of Union county, 
near the head, and on the south side of Cash river, con- 
tains one hundredf amilies. The surface of the land is 
rolling, and the soil good. 



OF ILLINOIS. 299 

Stone^s Settlement is fifteen miles below Quincy, in 
three south, seven west. 

Stoufs Grove, a settlement in McLean county, on the 
Mackinau, in twenty-four and twenty-five north, one west, 
and twelve miles northwest of Bloomington. The north 
part is a large and heavily timbered bottom, principally 
oak, with some barrens. The south part is first rate 
timbered land. 

Struwn's Settlement, in Putnam county, about twenty 
miles below Hennepin, was commenced in 1831. 

String Prairie, in Greene county, lies betvveen Ma- 
coupin and Apple creeks, commencing four miles west 
of Carrollton, and extending fifteen miles east,'and from half 
a mile to three miles in width. It is a rich, level tract, 
and much of it in a state of cultivation. 

String Town, on the Embarras, in Lawrence county, 
sixteen miles north of Lawrenceville, has 100 families. 

Slubhlefield's Branch is a trifling stream that rises in 
the northern part of Bond county, runs southwest, and 
enters the East fork of Shoal creek, two miles above 
Greenville. A considerable settlement is near it. 

Sugar Creek, in Sangamon county, rises in the prairies 
towards the southwestern part of the county, where its 
waters interlock with the heads of the Macoupin and Ap- 
ple creeks, runs a northeasterly course, and enters the 
Sangamon river a short distance below the forks. Its 
main branch is Lick creek. The land is good, surface 
rather level, and the timber of various kinds, from one 
to two miles in width. The settlements are large, and 
extend from the mouth to the head of the timber. 

The lands situated between Lick and Sugar creeks, are 
said to be of a superior quality for grazing, etc. 

Sugar Creek, in the northeastern part of Schuyler coun- 
ty. It rises in the southeast corner of McDonough county, 
takes a southeastern course, near the boundary line of 
Fulton, and enters the Illinois above Beardstown, on sec- 
tion four, two north, one east. A large body of excellent 
timber lies on this stream. Red and yellow ochre are 
found in its banks. 



300 A GAZETTEER 

Sugar Creek, a small stream that rises in the interior 
of Edgar county, takes an eastern eonrse and passes 
through a corner of Indiana into the Wabash. 

Sugar Creek, a small stream in Clark county, that passes 
near Palestine and enters the Wabash. 

Sugar Creek, in Iroquois county, a branch of the Iro- 
quois river. There is considerable timber along its bor- 
ders. 

Sugar Creek, a small stream rising in township four 
north, in range five west of the third principal meridian, 
and running a southerly course through the eastern bor- 
ders of Madison into Clinton county, enters the Kaskaskia 
near the base line, in five west. I-c- passes through a fine 
country of land. 

Sugar Creek, in McLean county, rises in twenty-four 
north, two east, and runs through Blooming grove in a 
southwestern direction. It is a good mill stream, has firm 
banks, and gravelly bottom. It passes across the south- 
east part of Tazewell into Sangamon county, and enters 
Salt creek in township twenty north, range five west. It 
waters a rich body of land, and has an extensive line of 
settlements. 

Sugar Creek Settlement, in the southeastern part of 
Tazewell county, on Sugar creek. It has seventy or eighty 
families, and is increasing. 

Sugar Grove, in the north part of Sangamon county, 
twenty miles north of Springfield. It is a fine tract of 
timber surrounded with fertile prairie, about three miles 
long, and one mile wide, with a respectable settlement. 

Sugar Grove, in Putnam county, in fifteen north, six 
east; a bea\itiful grove of timber with good prairie and 
barrens around it. 

Sugar River, in Winnebago county. It rises in the 
Wisconsin territory, runs south across the boundary line 
about eleven miles west of Rock river, and enters the 
Peek-a-ton-o-kee. The country between it and Rock 
river is rather swampy, with ridges of bur oak timber. 
Along its course the land and timber are good. 

Sugar Tree Grove, in Henry county, north of Edwards 



OF ILLINOIS. 301 

river, in fifteen north, three east. Timber, various; prai- 
rie, undulating and rich. 

Summit., a town site in Cook county, at the " Point of 
Oaks," on the canal, thirteen miles from Chicago. 

Sweeps Prairie is in the south part of Morgan county, 
three miles west of Manchester. It is level and wet. 

Sivett^s Prairie is in Madison county, four miles north- 
east from Edwardsville. 

SwigarVs Settlement^ in St. Clair county, is under the 
bluffs seven miles east of St. Louis. 

Swinningfori's Point, a settlement in Morgan county. 

Swanwick'' s Creek rises near the Grand Cote, and enters 
Beaucoup creek, in Perry county. 

Sycamore Creek rises in the prairies near Fox river, and 
enters Rock river, thirty-five miles above Dixon's ferry. 
It is fifty yards wide at its mouth. The Indian name is 
Kish-wau-kee. 

Table Grove is a beautiful and elevated tract of 150 or 
200 acres of timber, on the west side of Fulton county, 
and has a delightful prospect. 

Tamarawa, a town site on the right bank of the Kas- 
kaskia river, and near the line of St. Clair and Monroe 
counties, and at the lower end of the Twelve Mile prairie. 
It is an elevated and pleasant situation. 

Tarapin Ridge, a settlement four miles north of Leba- 
non, in St. Clair county. 

Ihylor's Creek rises in Macoupin county, and enters 
Macoupin creek, in Greene county. 

Tecumseh, a town site on the Great Wabash river, in 
White county, at the Little Chain, (rapids,) on high 
ground, and well situated for business. It is on fractional 
section thirty-one, township six south, eleven east. 

Tegarderi's Mill, on Taylor's creek, in Greene county. 

Ten Mile Creek rises in the Great prairie near Putnam 
county, runs through a broken but well timbered country, 
and enters Peoria lake five miles above Peoria. 

Ten Mile CreeJcy in Hamilton county, is a branch of 
Muddy river, and runs through an undulating tract. Here 
is a settlement of forty or fifty families. 
26 



302 A GAZETTEER 

Thorn Creek rises in three forks in the northeast part of 
Will county, runs north and enters the Calunnet in Cook 
county. 

Thornton^ a town site on Thorn creek, near the south- 
eastern part of Cook county. 

Three Mile Prairie^ in Washington county, has an un- 
dulating surface. It is eight miles south of Nashville. 

Timbered Settlement includes the northeast quarter of 
Wahash county, and is ten miles from Mount Carmel. 
it contains sixty or seventy families. The timber is ex- 
cellent. 

Tum''s Prairie, in Wayne county, is six miles northeast 
of Fairfield, on Elm river, and has twenty or twenty-five 
families. The soil is second rate. 

Tottens Prairie^ in Fulton county, seven miles north- 
west of Lewistown, is from one to three miles wide and 
ten long. It is good land and has a large settlement. 

Town Fork is a branch of Troublesome creek, in Mc- 
Donough county. 

Tremont, the seat of justice for Tazewell county, is 
situated in a delightful prairie, between Pleasant grove 
and Mackinau, on section eighteen, township twenty-four 
north, three west, and was laid off by a company in the 
spring of 1835. It now contains six stores, four groceries, 
two taverns, two lawyers, two physicians, two ministers, 
one apothecary's shop, sixty-eight buildings, and about 
three-hundred inhabitants. The religious denominations 
are Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, 
and Unitarians, all of whom, at present, worship in one 
house. It is contemplated to erect one or more houses of 
worship this year. It lies in the heart of a beautiful coun- 
try of prairie and timber. 

Trinity is on the Ohio six miles above its junction with 
the Mississippi, and at the mouth of Cash river, on sec- 
tions one and two, seventeen south, one west. Steamboats 
from the Ohio and Mississippi rivers exchange cargoes 
here, repair, etc. It has one tavern and one store, and is 
inundated six feet at extreme high water. 



OF ILLINOIS. 303 

Troublesome Creek, a branch of Crooked creek, in 
McDonough county. 

Troy, a town site in Madison county, seven miles south- 
east from Edwardsville. 

Troy Grove is in La Salle county, at the head of Little 
Vermilion, twelve miles above its mouth, through which 
the stage road passes from Ottawa to Dixonville and Ga- 
lena. 

7hirkey Creek enters the Illinois river, in Morgan coun- 
ty, between Walnut and Sandy creeks. 

Turkey Hill, in St. Clair county, four miles southeast 
of Belleville, the oldest American settlement in the coun- 
ty was commenced by William Scott, Samuel Shook, and 
Franklin Jarvis, in 1798. It is now populous. Formerly 
this name was used to designate a large tract. 

Turney'^s Prairie, in W'ayne county, eight miles south 
of Fairfield, is from one to two miles in extent. The soil 
is good, and the settlement contains about twenty-five 
families. 

Turtle River rises in Wisconsin territory, and enters 
Rock river, forty rods below the boundary line. 

Twelve Mile Grove is between the Kankakee and Hick- 
ory creek, in Cook county, and contains 600 acres. 

Twelve Mile Prairie, in Effingham county, vv^est of the 
Little Wabash, is level, and in many places wet. It ex- 
tends through Effingham and Clay counties. The nation- 
al road crosses it in the former, and the Vincennes in the 
latter county. 

Twelve Mile Prairie, in St. Clair county, is moderately 
undulating, and good soil. Indian name Tau-mar-waus. 

TwUcheir s 3Iill, a post office on Big creek, Pope county. 

Tyrer''s Creek, a branch of the Mississippi, in Adams 
county, rises in two south, eight west. 

Union Prairie, in the southeast part of Clark county, 
is five miles long and three broad. The settlement is large. 

Union Praii'ie, in Schuyler county, four miles west of 
Rushville. 

Union, a post office in Champaign county, twenty miles 
west of Danville. 



304 A GAZETTEER 

Union Grove, in St. Clair county, is on the borders of 
Looking Glass prairie and on the east side of Silver creek. 
The land is excellent, and the settlement extensive. It 
is sometimes called Padjielcfs Settlement, 

Unity, the seat of justice of Alexander county, recently 
located, in the corners of townships fifteen and sixteen 
south, in ranges one and two west of the third principal 
meridian. It is on the east side of Cash river. 

Upper Alton, a delightfully situated town, on elevated 
ground, two and a half miles back from the river and east 
from Alton, on section seven, township five north, range 
nine west. The situation of the town is high and healthy 
The country around was originally timbered land, and is 
undulating; the prevailing growth consists of oaks of va- 
rious species, hickory, walnut, etc. 

There are eight stores, five groceries, two lawyers, five 
physicians, mechanics of various descriptions, a steam 
saw and flour mill, and about 300 families, or 1500 inhab- 
itants. The Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians, 
each have houses of worship. The Baptist and Pres- 
byterian houses are handsome stone edifices, with spires, 
bells, &c. and provided with ministers. There are seven 
or eight ministers of the gospel, residents of this place, 
some of whom are connected with the college and the 
Theological seminary; — others are agents for some of the 
public benevolent institutions, whose families reside here. 

Good morals, religious privileges, the advantages for 
education in the college, and in three respectable com- 
mon schools, with an intelligent and agreeable society 
make this town a desirable residence. 

Upper Alton was laid off by the proprietor in 1816, and 
in 1821, it contained fifty or sixty families. In 1827, it 
had dwindled down to a few from several causes. But 
since the commencement of Alton, the flourishing mer- 
cantile town on the river, it has experienced a rapid growth 
and will doubtless continue to advance, proportionate to 
the progress of the town and country around. 

U])per Mackinau Settlements, a string of settlements 
towards the head of the Mackinau, in McLean county, 



OF ILLINOIS. 305 

about fourteen miles north of Bloomington. The timber 
is divided into several groves, and is about twenty-four 
miles in lenjjth from east to west, and from one to three 
miles in width. The old Kickapoo and Pattowatomie 
towns were on the north side of this timber, where the 
blue grass grows in wild luxuriance. Here are over 100 
families, and the land is excellent. 

Urbanna, the seat of justice for Champaign county, 
named by the last legislature. 

Ursa,, a post office in Bear creek settlement, Adams 
county, on section eighteen, township one north, eight west 
and ten miles north of Quincy. 

Utica^ a town site in Fulton county, two and a half 
miles from the Illinois river, on Copperas creek. It has 
one steam mill, one store, one distillery and ten or twelve 
families. 

Utica,, a town site and post office on the north side of 
the Illinois river at the Lower rapids, on the canal line, 
and 10 miles below Ottawa, on section seventeen, town- 
ship thirty-three north, two east. It is four miles 
from the termination of the canal, and has two or three 
stores, and families. 

Valentine's Settlement is in Bond county, on the west 
side of Shoal creek. The land is good. 

Vandewenter'' s Settlement is on the Illinois river, in the 
south part of Schuyler county, twenty miles from Rush- 
ville. 

VanciVs Settlement^ in Union county, on a branch of 
Clear creek. The land is rolling. 

Van Buren, a town site on the Mississippi in Whiteside 
county, 42 miles above Rock Island, and 50 miles below 
Galena. It has two steam saw mills, a post office, (name 
unknown) and ten or twelve houses building. 

Van Buren, a post office in Big Grove, in Champaign 
county, four miles north of Urbanna. 

Vance's Settlement^ in McDonough county, is in five 
north, two and three west, six or eight miles southwest, 
from Macomb, and on the waters of Crooked creek. The 
land is excellent. 

26* 



306 A GAZETTEER 

VANDALIA is the present seat of government for the 
state, the seat of justice for Fayette county, and was 
laid out in 1818, by commissioners appointed for that 
purpose, under the authority of the state. It is situated 
on the west bank of the Kaskaskia river, on sections 
eight, nine, sixteen and seventeen, of township six nortii, 
in range one east of the third principal meridian. The 
site is high, undulating, and was originally a limbered 
tract. The streets cross at right angles and are eighty 
feet in width. The public square is on elevated ground. 
The public buildings are, a state house of brick and suf- 
ficiently commodious for legislative purposes, unfinished, 
a neat framed house of worship for the Presbyterian 
society, with a cupola and bell, a framed meeting house 
for the Methodist society, another small public building 
open for all denominations, and for schools, and other 
public purposes. 

There are in the town two printing ofllces tliat issue 
weekly papers, the " State Register,'*'' and the " Free 
Press,'''' — four taverns, eight stores, two groceries, one 
clothing store, two schools, four lawyers, four physicians 
one steam and one water saw mill, one minister of the 
gospel, and about 850 inhabitants. 

Near the river the country generally is heavily timbered, 
but a few miles back are extensive prairies. The "national 
road" has been permanently located and partially con- 
structed to this place. 

Vcrniilion River, of the Wabash, rises in the great 
prairies of Champaign and Iroquois counties and enters 
the Wabash in the state of Indiana. Its branches are, 
North, Middle and Salt forks. 

North fork, rises in Iroquois county, and unites with the 
main stream below Danville. 

Salt fork rises in Champaign county, near the head of 
the Sangamon river, runs a south course till it enters 
township eighteen north, in range ten east, when it 
makes a sudden bend and runs north of east to Danville. 
The Salt works are on this stream, six miles above Dan- 
ville. 



OF ILLINOIS. 307 

Middle fork rises in the prairie, forty miles northwest of 
Danville, and enters Salt fork. 

The timber on these forks is from one to two miles wide 
and of a good quality. The adjoining- prairies are dry, 
undulating and rich. 

Vermilion {Little) rises in the south part of Vermilion 
county, and enters the Wabash river in Indiana. It is a 
mill stream, with a gravelly and rocky bottom, and has a 
fine body of timber on its banks. Large and flourishing 
settlements have been made on both sides ef the limber 
to its head. 

Vermilion Elver of the Illinois, rises in Livingston 
county, through which it passes into La Salle county, and 
enters the Illinois near the foot of the rapids. Towards 
its head the surface is tolerably level, with a rich soil, 
large prairies, and but small quantities of timber. To- 
wards the Illinois its bluffs become abrupt, often 100 feet 
high, with rocky banks and frequent rapids and falls. It 
is an excellent mill stream, about fifty yards wide, and 
runs through extensive beds of bituminous coal. Its bluffs 
contain immense quarries of lime, sand and some free stone 
excellent for grind stones. The timber upon its banks 
are oaks of various kinds, walnut, ash, sugar maple, 
hickory, etc. 

Vermillonvllle, a town site and post office north of the 
Vermilion river in La Salle county, on section nine, town- 
ship thirty-two north, two east. It is a pleasant situation, a 
thriving village, and surrounded with an excellent country. 

Near it on the Vermilion river, is Lowel, a manufacturing 
town in embryo, with abundance of water power. Great 
quantities of bituminous coal exist in this vicinit}'. 

Versailles a village of twelve or fifteen families on the 
w^est side of McLean county, 20 miles northwest of 
Bloomington. 

Vienna, the county seat of Johnson county, contains 
twenty-five or thirty families, and three stores. It is situ- 
ated on the east fork of Cash river, in sections five and 
six, thirteen south, three east. The main road from Gol- 



308 A GAZETTEER 

conda to Jonesboro,' and Jackson, Mo., passes through this 
place. It is in latitude 37 deg. 25 minutes north. 

Village Prairie^ in Edwards county, two miles north of 
Albion, about three miles wide. A small stream called 
" The Village'''' runs through it to the little Wabash. 

Vincennes Road passes from Vincennes to St. Louis, 
through Lawrence, Clay, Marion, Clinton, and St. Clair 
counties, 154 miles. A daily mail in post coaches passes 
this road. 

Vinegar HilU in Jo Daviess county, six miles north of 
Galena, is a prairie country, and contains one of the richest 
lead mines in this region. 

Virginia Settlement, in McHenry county on the west side 
of Fox river, seven miles from it. It is on the old Indian 
trail from Chicago to the Wisconsin. The prairie and 
timber about equally interspersed, surface rolling, soil a 
black sandy loam aiid very rich. 

Wabash Grove, in the east part of Shelby county, is on 
one of the heads of the Little Wabash. The timber and 
prairie are excellent and the settlement is large. 

Wabash Point, in the southwestern part of Coles county 
is the principal head of the Little Wabash. The timber 
and adjoining prairie are good, and the settlement is large. 

Wabonsie, a tributary of Fox river in Kane county. It 
rises in a large spring, runs southwest, and enters Fox 
river, 8 miles below the Big Woods. It is a fine mill 
stream. 

Waii^s Settlement, is in Bond county, nine miles west 
of Greenville and on the west side of Shoal creek. The 
prairie is good, and the timber abundant. 

Wakefield's Settlement, in the south part of Shelby 
county, is a fertile tract well timbered. The settlement 
is large. 

Walkers Grove, a post office in McDonough county, 
seven miles south of Macomb. 

Walnut Creek, in Morgan county, enters the Illinois 
above Plum creek. 

Walnut Creek heads in the northwestern part of Taze- 
well county, and enters the Mackinau in section sixteen, 



OF ILLINOIS. 309 

twenty-five north, one west. It has a free current, gra- 
velly bottom, and runs through rich land. 

Walnut^ a branch of Beaucoup creek, in Perry county. 

Walmit Grove, a rich tract on Walnut creek, in Taze- 
well county, about one mile wide and nine long. 

Walnut Grove, a settlement in the southwest corner of 
Edgar county. 

Walnut Hill Prairie, on the line between .Tefferson and 
Marion counties. Some parts are tolerably good, others 
rather flat and wet. It is four miles long, and three broad 
and contains seventy-five families. 

Walnut Hill post office is in the southwest corner of 
Marion county, on the road from Carlyle to Mount Ver- 
non. 

Walnut Prairie, in Clark county, near the Wabash, 
about five miles long and two broad. It is tolerably level, 
has a rich sandy soil, and a fine settlement. 

Walnut Point post office, is in Adams county, on sec- 
tion thirty-two, township one north, six west, eighteen 
miles northeast from Quincy. 

Walker's Grove, on the Du Page, in Will county, forty 
miles from Chicago, is a beautiful tract surrounded by a 
rich prairie and a large settlement. It is about three miles 
long and one wide. 

Wapelo, a town site at the falls of Apple river, in Jo 
Daviess county. Here are a saw and grist mill, several 
families, stores, etc. 

Ward^s Settlement is the oldest in Macon county, and is 
eight miles south of Decatur. 

Warrenton, a town site in Cook county on the west fork 
of the Du Page, four miles above Napierville. 

Warsaw is an important commercial position, on the 
Mississippi river, at the foot of the Des Moines rapids, 
16 miles west-southwest from Carthage. It has a steam 
mill, several stores, and 200 or 300 inhabitants, and is to 
be the termination of the railroad from Peoria. It is near 
the site of old Fort Edwards. 

Washington, a new village in the western part of Ful- 
ton county, twenty miles from Lewistown, 



310 A GAZETTEER 

Washington, a town site and handsome village in Taze- 
well county, on section twenty-three, township twenty-six 
north, three west, and 14 nriiles north of Tremont. It is situ- 
ated on the south side of Holland's grove, on the border of 
a delightful prairie, and contains 5 stores, 2 groceries, 4 
physicians, various mechanics, a steam saw mill, and 
about 300 inhabitants. The post office is ^o//a??c^'5 Grove. 

Washington Grove is in the interior of Ogle county, and 
contains two or three sections of limber, surrounded with 
an excellent rolling prairie. 

Waterloo, the seat of justice for Monroe county, is 
situated on high ground, in township two south, ten west. 
It has a court house of brick, two stores, two taverns, and 
about twenty families. 

Watt's Settlement, in Crawford county, is sixteen miles 
west from Palestine, and has about twenty families. 

Waynesville, a town in the southwest corner of McLean 
county, on the road from Springfield to Bloomington, and 
on the south side of the timber of Kickapoo creek. It 
has 6 stores, 2 groceries, 2 physicians, a Methodist and a 
Presbyterian society, a good school, and a charter for a 
Seminary of learning. It has a fine body of timber on 
the north, and a rich, undulating and beautiful prairie 
south. Population in the village about 150. 

WehVs Prairie, and settlement, in Franklin county, fif- 
teen miles east of north from Frankfort. The land is good. 

Weed^s Settlement is on a branch of the Vermilion in 
Livingston county. Here is fine, rolling, rich prairie, 
lime and free stone, coal, and will probably be the loca- 
tion of the county seat. 

Webster, a town site in the northwest corner of Living- 
ston county on section ten, township thirty north, three east, 
on the south side of the Vermilion river, surrounded with 
great bodies of lime and free stone, coal, and extensive 
tracts of rich, undulating prairie. 

Weigle'^s Settlement, in Adams county, has 600 or 700 
industrious Germans, of the society of Diinkards, and is 
watered by the West fork of McKee's creek. 



OF ILLINOIS. 311 

TVesi Fork of KaskasMa River rises in Macon county, in 
township sixteen north, four east, and enters the main 
stream, ten miles above Shelbyvi)le. The land on its 
borders, in general, is excellent, and the timber good. 

West Fork of Muddy Settlement^ in the northwestern 
part of Jefferson county, is a well timbered tract. 

West Fork of Shoal Creek rises in the north part of 
Montgomery county, in nine north, three west, runs south, 
and forms the main creek. The average width of the 
timber is two miles. 

West Grove is a body of timber on Pine creek in Ogle 
county. 

Wesfs Settlement^ in Johnson county, on the east side 
of Cash river, is a fine, fertile tract, and has thirty fami- 
lies. 

Wei Grove, is a small body of timber in Ogle county 
near the head of Kite creek. 

Whitaker''s Creek, in Greene county, a branch of Apple 
creek on the south side. 

White Hall, a village and post office in Greene county, 
10 miles above CarroUton, on the road to Jacksonville. 
It has 9 stores, 2 groceries, 2 taverns, 3 physicians, one 
school, and an incorporation for a Seminary, a steam mill 
in the vicinity, framed houses of worship for Methodists 
and Baptists, and 600 inhabitants. 

Whitley''s Point is the head of Whitley's creek, in 
Shelby county, east of the Kaskaskia river, and fifteen 
miles northeast from Shelby ville. The timber and prairie 
are good. 

Whitley''s Settlement, on Whitley's creek, Shelby coun- 
ty, fifteen miles northeast from Shelbyville is a mixture 
of timber and prairie. 

White Oak Grove, in Henry county, is a fine body of 
timber. Adjoining it is Andover settlement. 

Whiteside'' s Settlement, in Pope county, is twelve miles 
west of Golconda on Big Bay creek and the state road, 
and has 100 families. 

Whiteside^s Station, in Monroe county, five miles north 



312 A GAZETTEER 

of Waterloo, is one of the oldest American settlements 
in Illinois. 

Wiggins's Ferry ^ on the Mississippi opposite St. Louis 
and the property adjoining, are owned by a company. 
Here are two good steamboats, a public house, livery 
stable, store, and post office. 

Wihoxeri's Settlement, in Fulton county — good soil. 

Williams's Creek rises in Hancock and enters Crooked 
creek in Schuyler county. 

Willis's Settlement, in Putnam county, five miles east of 
Hennepin, was begun in 1827, in a rich tract of land. 

Wilson'^s Grove is a beautiful eminence, one mile west 
of Jacksonville, and now called College Hill. The Illi- 
nois college stands on its eastern slope. 

Winchester, in Morgan county, sixteen miles southwest 
of Jacksonville, on section twenty-nine, township fourteen 
north, in range twelve west of the third principal meri- 
dian, was laid off in 1831, on elevated ground, and is a 
thriving village, increasing rapidly, has several stores, 
mechanics of various descriptions, and a population of 
three or four hundred. The Baptists, Methodists and Con- 
gregationalists have societies here. It has excellent lime 
and free stone quarries in the vicinity and several mills. 

Winchester, a town site on the Kankakee, 9 miles above 
its mouth, and containing half a dozen houses, one store, 
one tavern, two saw mills etc. 

Windsor, a town, in fifteen north, nine east on the Bureau, 
and on the stage road from Peoria by Princeton to Galena. 
It has 2 stores, 2 groceries, one tavern, one lawyer, one phy- 
sician, one minister and about 100 inhabitants. A grist and 
saw mill are near. 

Winnebago Inlet, in Putnam county, passes through se- 
veral ponds into the Winnebago Swamp, in Ogle county. 

Winnebago Swamp is in Henry and Ogle counties, thirty 
miles long, and from one half to three miles wide. 

Wulf Creek is a branch of the Sangamon river, in Sanga- 
mon County. The land is level but well settled. 

Wolf Creek, in Effingham, enters the Kaskaskia river. 

JVolf Run, in Morgan county, enters Dickerson's lake. 



OF ILLINOIS. 313 

Wood River, in Madison county, enters the Mississippi 
nearly opposite the mouth of the Missouri. It rises ia 
Macoupin and runs through a fine country. 

Woodbury is a town site and post office on the national 
road, situated in Coles county, containing half a dozen 
families. 

Wood^s Prairie is a small tract of good land in Wabash 
county, ten miles from Mount Carmel. 

Worcester post office is in McDonough county on the 
western side. 

Workman post office in Jersey prairie Morgan county, 

Wyo)ning, a town site and post office on the east side 
of Spoon river, on section two, township twelve north, six 
east, on the mail road from Hennepin to Knoxville. 

Worleys Creek, in Adams county, enters Bear creek. 

Yellow Banks are sand bluffs of the Mississippi, in 
Warren and Mercer counties, distinguished as Lower, 
Middle, and Upper, at the mouths of Henderson, Pope, 
and Edwards rivers — the first five miles long. They fur- 
nish convenient landings for steamboats. 

Yankee Settlement, in the southwestern part of Cook and 
corner of Will county, a large settlement in a rich undu- 
lating prairie, between Hickory creek, and the Sauganas- 
kee. 

Yellow Creek, in Winnebago county, enters the Peek-a- 
tono-kee near its junction with Rock river. It rises near 
Kellogg's Grove. 

York, a village in Clark county, on the Wabash, con- 
tains one steam saw and flouring mill, four stores, and 
about 300 inhabitants. Its exports amount to ^40,000. 
27 



APPENDIX. 



TABLE I. 



A Table exhibiting the Name of each County, Date of Forma- 
tion, number of Square Miles, Population according to the 
State census of 1835, {excepting certain neic counties, marked 
thus *, of which the estimate is given,) and Seat of Justice. 



COUNTIES. 


DATE. 


oqaare 
Miles. 


Population 
1835. 


SEATS or JUSTICE. 


Adams, 


1825 


810 


7,042 


Quincy 


Alexander, 


1819 


375 


2,050 


Unity 


Bond, 


1817 


360 


3,580 


Greenville 


Boone,* 


1837 


500 


600 


Not established 


Cass,* 


1837 


256 


6,500 


Beardstown 


Calhoun, 


1825 


260 


1,091 


Guilford 


Champaign,* 


1833 


1008 


1,250 


Urbanna 


Clark, 


1819 


500 


3,413 


Darwin 


Clay, 


1824 


620 


1,648 


Maysville 


Clinton, 


1821 


504 


2,648 


Carlyle 


Coles, 


1830 


1248 


5,125 


Charleston 


Cook, 


1831 


1330 


7,500 


Chicago 


Crawford, 


181G 


426 


3,540 


Palestine 


Edgar, 


1823 


648 


6,668 


Paris 


Edwards, 


1814 


183 


2,006 


Albion 


Effingham, 


1831 


486 


1,055 


Ewington 


Fayette, 


1821 


720 


3,638 


Vandalia 


Franklin, 


I8I8 


864 


5.551 


Frankfort 


Fulton, 


1825 


874 


5,917 


Lewistown 



316 



APPENDIX. 



TABLE I. — CONTINUED. 



COUNTIES. 


DATE. 


tjquare 
AlilGs. 


ropiilalion 
1335. 


SEATS OF JUSTICE. 


Gallatin, 


1812 


760 


8,660 


Equality 


Greene, 


1821 


912 


12,274 


Carrollton 


Hamilton, 


18-21 


432 


2,877 


McLeansboro' 


Hancock, 


18-25 


775 


3,249 


Carlhagd 


Henry,* 


1825 


840 


600 


Not established 


Iroquois,* 


1833 


14-28 


1,800 


Not established 


Jackson, 


1816 


576 


2,783 


Brownsville 


Jasper,* 


1831 


508 


375 


Newton 


Jeffersion, 


1819 


576 


3,350 


Mount Vernon 


Jo Daviess,* 


1827 


724 


4,350 


Galena 


Johnson, 


1812 


486 


2,166 


Vienna 


Kane,* 


1836 


1297 


1,500 


Not established 


Knox, 


1825 


792 


1,600 


Knoxville 


La Salle, 


1831 


1864 


4,754 


Ottawa 


Livingston,* 


1837 


1040 


750 


Not established 


Lawrence, 


1821 


560 


4,450 


Lawrenceville 


Macon, 


1829 


1404 


3,022 


Decatur 


Madison, 


1812 


750 


9,016 


Edwardsville 


Macoupin, 


1829 


864 


5,554 


Carlinville 


Marion, 


18-23 


576 


2,844 


Salem 


McDonough, 


1825 


576 


2,883 


Macomb 


McFIenry,* 


1836 


960 


1,100 


Not established 


McLean, 


1830 


1675 


5,311 


Blooniington 


Mercer,* 


1825 


550 


800 


New Boston 


Monroe, 


1816 


360 


2,660 


Waterloo 


Montaomery, 


1821 


960 


3,740 


Hillsboro' 


Morgan, 


1823 


918 


16,500 


•lacksonville 


Ogle, 


1836 


1440 


1,200 


Not established 


Peoria,* 


18-25 


648 


4,500 


Peoria 


Perry, 


1827 


446 


2,201 


Pinckneyville 


Pike, 


1821 


800 


6,037 


Pittsfield 


Pope, 


1816 


576 


3,756 


Golconda 


Putnam, 


1825 


1340 


4,021 


Hennepin 


Randolph, 


1795 


540 


5,695 


Kaskaskia 



APPENDIX. 



317 



TABLE I. CONTINUED. 



COU.NTIES. • 

Rock Island,* 

8anoranion, 

Scliuyler, 

Shelby, 

St. Clair, 

Stej)hensotJ, 

Tazewell, 

Union, 

Vermilion, 

Wabash, 

Warren, 

Washington, 

Wayne, 

White, 

Whiteside,* 

Will,* 

Winnebao-o,* 



DATE. 


t^quare 
Miles. 


1831 


400 


1821 


1234 


1825 


864 


1827 


1080 


1795 


1030 


1837 


5G0 


1827 


1130 


1818 


396 


1826 


1000 


1824 


180 


1825 


900 


1818 


656 


1819 


720 


1815 


516 


1836 


770 


1836 


1228 


1836 


504 



Population 
1835. 



850 

17,573 
6,361 

4,848 
9,055 

400 
5,850 
4,156 
8,103 
3,010 
2,623 
3,292 
2,939 
6,489 

350 
3.500 
1,000 



SEATS OF JUSTICE. 



Stephenson 

Springfield 

Rushville 

Shelbyville 

Belleville 

Not established 

Tremont 

Jonesboro' 

Danville 

Mount Carniel 

Monmouth 

Nashville 

Fairfield 

Carmi 

Not established 

Juliet 

Not established. 



The present population of Illinois (April, 1837) may 
be estimated at 375,000. 



318 APPENDIX. 



TABLE II. 

A Table of the Public Officers in Illinois, both State and Na- 
tional, April, 1837. 



GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE. 

His Excellency Joseph Duncan, Governor; term of 
Service expires December, 1838; residence, Jacksonville. 

Lieutenant Governor, vacant. Hon. 

William Davidson, Speaker of tlie Senate, and ex officio 
lieutenant governor till December, 1838. 

Alexander P. Field, Esq., Secretary of Slate. 

Levi Davis, Esq., Auditor of Public Accounts. 

John D. Whitesidc, Esq., Treasurer. 

U. F. LiNDER, Esq., Attorney-General. 



UNITED STATES COURT.— For the District of Illinois. 

NAMES. OFFICES. KESIDENCE. SALARY. 

Nathaniel Pope, Judge, Kaskaskia, ^1,000 
David J. Baker, U. S. Attorney, do 200, fees 
Harry Wilton, Marshall, Carlyle, 200, fees 
, Clerk, fees, etc. 

This court is held at Vandalia, the fourth Monday in 
May, and the first Monday in December, annually. 



APPENDIX. 



319 



U. S. LAND OFFICERS IN ILLINOIS. 



DISTRICTS. 

Kaskaskid, 

Shawneetown, 

Edwardsville, 

Vandalia, 

Palestine, 

Quincy, 

Danville, 

Springfield, 

Chicago, 

Galena, 



REGISTERS. 

Miles Hodgkiss, 
James C. Sloo, 
Alex. M.Jenkins, 
Chas. Prentice, 
Joseph Kitchell, 
Samuel Leech, 
J. C. Alexander, 
S. A. Donglass, 
James Whitlock, 
James M. Strode, 



RECEITEUS. 

Edward Humphries. 
John Caldwell. 
S. H. Thompson. 
William Linn. 
Guy W. Smith. 
Thomas Carlin. 
Samuel McRoberta. 
John Taylor. 
E.D.Taylor. 
John Deraint. 



MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, 

SENATORS. 



KAMES. 

John M. Robinson, 
Richard M. Young, 



RESIDENCE. 

Carmi, 
Quincy, 



TERM EXPIRES. 

March 3d, 1841. 
March 3d, 1843. 



Representatives elect to the Twenty-Fifth Congress; their term 
commenced March 4, 1837. 



DISTRICTS. 

First District, 
Second District, 
Third District, 



NAMES. 



Adam W. Snyder, 
Yadock Casey, 
Wm. L. May, 



HESIDEI7CE. 

Belleville. 
Mount Vernon. 
Spriiigfield. 



No. III. 
SUGGESTIONS TO EMIGRANTS. 



Canal, Steam-Boat and Stage Routes. — Other Modes of Travel 
— Expenses — Roads, Distances, &cc. &c. 

1. Persons in moderate circnmstnn^es, or who would 
save time and expense, need not make a visit to the West, 
to ascertain particulars previous to removal. A few gene- 
ral facts, easily collected from a hundred sources, will 
enable persons to decide the great question, whether ihey 
will emigrate to the Valley. By the same means, emi- 
grants may determine to what State, and to what part of 
that State, their course shall be directed. There are many 
things that a person of plain, common sense will take for 
granted without inquiry, — such as facilities for obtaining 
all the necessaries of life, the readiness with which proper- 
ty of any description may be obtaiised for a fair value, and 
especially farms and wild land, that they can live where 
hundreds of thousands of others of similar habits and feel- 
ings live; and above all, they should take it for granted, 
that there are difficulties to be encountered in every coun- 
try, and in all business; — that these difficulties can be 
surmounted with reasonable effort, patience and perseve- 
rance, and that in every country, people sicken and die. 

2. Having decided to what State and part of the State, 
an emigrant will remove, let him then conclude to take as 
little furniture and other luggage as he can do v.-itb, espe- 
cially if he comes by public conveyances. Those who 
reside witliin convenient distance of a sea port, would find 
it both safe and economical to ship by New Orleans, in 
boxes, such articles as are not wanted on the road, especi- 
ally if they steer for the navigable waters of the Missis- 



APPENDIX. 321 

sippi. Bed and other clothing-, books, &e., packed ia 
boxes, like nnerchanls' goods, will go mucli safer and 
cheaper by New Orleans, than by any of the inland routes. 
I have received more than one huiidred packages and box- 
es from eastern ports, by that route, within twenty years, 
and never lost one. Boxes should be marked to the 
owner or his agent at the river port where destined, and to 
the charge of some forwarding house in New Orleans. 
The freight and charges may be paid when the boxes are 
received. 

3. If a person designs to remove to the north part of 
Ohio and Indiana, to Cliicago and vicinity, or to Michi- 
gan, or Green Bay, his course should be by the New 
York canal, and the lakes. The following table, show- 
ing the time of the opening of the canal at Albany and 
Buffalo, and the opening of the lake, from 1827 to 1835, 
is from a report of a committee at Buffalo to the common 
council of that city. It will be of use to those who wish 
to take the northern route in the spring. 



Year. 


Canal < 


"•pened 


Canal o] 


pened 


Lake Erie opened 




at Buftaio. 


at Alba 


ii<y. 


at Buffalo. 


1827 


Api 


ril 21 


April 


21 


April 21 


1828 




1 


a 


1 


" I 


1829 




25 


<( 


20 


May 10 


1830 




15 


i( 


20 


April 6 


1831 




16 


(( 


16 


May 8 


1832 




18 


4( 


25 


April 27 


1833 




22 


«( 


23 


" 23 


1834 




16 


(( 


17 


6 


1635 




15 


(( 


15 


May 8 



The same route will carry emigrants to Cleaveland, 
and by the Ohio canal, to Columbus, or to the Ohio river, 
at Portsmouth; from whence, by steamboat, direct com- 
munications will offer to any river port in the Western 
States. From Buffalo, steamboats run constantly (when 
the lake is open,) to Detroit, stopping at Erie, Ashtabula, 



322 



APPENDIX. 



Cleaveland, Sandusky and nnany other ports, from whence 
stages run to every prominent town. Transportation 
ivagons are employed in forwarding goods. 



Route from Buffalo to Detroit, by water. 





Miles. 




Mi 


les. 


Dunkirk, N. Y. 


39 


Cleaveland, Ohio, 


30- 


-193 


Portland, " 


18—57 


Sandusky, " 


54- 


-247 


Erie, Pa, 


.35—92 


Amherstburg, U. C. 


52- 


-299 


Ashtabula, Ohio, 


39—131 


Detroit, Mich., 


18- 


-317 


Fairport, " 


32—163 ] 








From Detroit to 


Chicago, Illinois. 








Miles. 




Miles. 


St. Clair river, Mich 


40 


Mackinaw, 


58- 


-329 


Palmer, 


17-57 


Isle Brule, 


75- 


-404 


Fort Gratiot, 


14—71 


Fort Howard, Wis- 






White Rock, 


40—111 


consin Ter., 


100- 


-504 


Thunder Island, 


70—181 


Milwaukee, W. T. 


310- 


-814 


Middle Island, 


25—206 


Chicago, 111., 


90- 


-904 


Presque Isle, 


65—271 








From Cleaveland to Port 


smovth via the Ohio Canal. 






Miles. 




Mile.=. 


Cuyahoga aqueduct, 


22 


Irville, 


2G- 


-158 


Old Portage, 


12—34 


Newark, 


13- 


-171 


Akron, 


4—38 


Hebron, 


10- 


-181 


New Portage, 


5—43 


Licking Summit, 


5- 


-186 


Clinton, 


11—54 


Lancaster Canaan, 


11- 


-197 


Massillon, 


11—65 


Columbus, side cut. 


18- 


-215 


Bethelehem, 


6—71 


Bloomficld, 


8- 


-223 


Bolivar, 


8—79 


Circleville, 


9- 


-232 


Zoar, 


3—82 


Chillicothe, 


23- 


-255 


Dover, 


7—89 


Piketon, 


25- 


-280 


New Philadelphia, 


4—93 


Lucasville, 


14- 


-294 


Newcomers'town, 


22—115 


Portsmouth, (Ohio 






Coshocton, 


17—132 


river.) 


13- 


-307 



APPiiNDIX. 



323 



The most expeditious, pleasant arid direct route for trav- 
elers to the southern parts of Ohio and Indiana; to the Illi- 
nois river, as far north as Peoria; to the Upper Mississippi 
as far as Quincy, Rock island, Galena and Prairie du 
Chien; to Missouri, and to Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, 
Natchez and New Orleans, is one of the southern routes. 
These are, — 1. From Philadelphia to Pittsburor, by rail- 
roads and the Pennsylvania canal; 2. By the Baltimore 
and Ohio rail-road and stages, to^ Wheeling'; or, 3. For 
people livinor to the south of Washington, by stage, by 
the way of Charlottesville, (Virginia,) Staunton, the Hot, 
Warm, and White-Sulphur Springs, Lewisburg, Charles- 
ton, to Guyandotte, from whence a regular line of steam- 
boats runs three times a week to Cincinnati. Interme- 
diate routes from Washington city to Wheeling, or to 
Harper's Ferry, to Fredericksburg, and intersect the route 
through Virginia, at Charlottesville. 



From Philadelphia to Pittshurgt hy the rail-road and canal. 





Miles. 


Miles. 


Columbia, on the S 


us- 


Petersburg, 8—221 


quehanna river, 


by 


Alexandria, 23—241 


rail-road, daily. 


81 


Frankstovvn and Hoi- 


By canal packets to \ 


lidaysburg, 3 — 247 


Bainbridge, 


11—92 


From thence, by rail-road, 


Middletovvn, 


17—109 


across the mountain, to 


Harrisburg', 


10—119 


Johnstown 38 — 285 


Juniata river. 


15—144 


By canal, to 


Millerstown, 


17—151 


Blairsville, 35—320 


Mifflin, 


17—168 


Saltzburg, 18—338 


Lewistown, 


13—181 


Warren, 12—350 


Waynesburg-, 


14—195 


Alleghany river 16—366 


Hamiltonville, 


11—206 


Pittsburg, 28—394 


Huntingdon, 


7—213 





The Pioneer line, on this route, is exclusively for pas- 
sengers, and professes to reach Pittsburg in four days, 
but is sometimes behind, several hours. Fare through, 
Passengers pay for meals. 



324 



APPENDIX. 



The Good'Tntent line is also for passengers only, and 
rons in cnmpeiillon with the Pioneer line. 

Leech's line, called the " Western Transportation line" 
takes both freight and passengers. The packet-boats ad- 
vertise to go tlirongh, to Pittsburg, in five days, for ^7. 

Midship and steerage passengers in the transportation 
line, in six and a half days — merchandise delivered in 
eight days. Generally, however, there is some delay. 
Emigants must not expect to carry more than a small 
trunk or two, on the packet-lines. Tliose who take goods 
or furniture, and wish to keep with it, had better take the 
transportation lines, with more delay. The price of meals 
on board the boats is about thirty-seven and a half cents. 

In all the steam-boats on the Western waters no addi- 
tional charge is made to cabin passengers for meals; — and 
the tables are usually profusely supplied. Strict order is 
observed, and the waiters and officers are attentive. 

Steamhoat route from Pittsburg to the mouth of the Ohio. 



Middletown, Pa. 
Economy, " 
Beaver, " 

Georgetovvn, " 
Steubcnville, Ohio, 
Wcllsburg^h, Va., 
Warren, Ohio, 
Wheeling, Va., 
Eliza bethtown, Va., 
Sistersville " 

Newport, Ohio, 
Marietta, " 
Parkersburg', Va., 
Belpre and Blanner 

basset Island, O., 
Troy, Ohio, 
Belleville, Va., 

Letart's Rapids, " 
Point Pleasant, " 
Gallipolis, Ohio, 



Miles. 

11 

8—19 

10—29 

13—42 

27—69 

7—76 

6—82 

10—92 

11—103 

34—137 

27—164 

14—178 

11—189 

4—193 
10—203 

7—210 
37—247 
27—274 

4—278 



ft'iles. 
Guyandoite, Va., 27—305 
Burlington, Ohio, 10 — 315 
Grcensburg, Ky., 19 — 334 
Concord, Ohio, 12-346 
Portsmouth (Ohio ca- 
nal,) 7—353 
Vanceburg, Ky., 20—373 
Manchester, Ohio, 16-389 
Maysville, Ky., 11—400 
Charleston, '♦ 4—404 
Ripley, Ohio, 6—410 
Augusta, Ky., 8 — 418 
Neville, Ohio, 7—425 
Moscow, " 7—432 
Point Pleasant, " 4—436 
New Richmond, " 7—443 
Columbia, " 15—458 
Fulton, " 6—564 

ClxNCINNATl, " 2 — 466 

North Bend, « 15—481 



APPENDIX. 



325 



Lawrenceburg, Ind., 

and mouih of the 

IMiami, 
Aurora, Ind., 
Petersburg, Ky., 
Bellcvue, " 
Rising Sun, Ind., 
Fredericksburg, Ky., 18 
Vevay, Ind., and 

Ghent, Ky., 11 

Port William, Ky., 8 
Madison Ind., 15 

New London, " 12 
Bethlehem, " 

VVestport, Ky., 

Transylvania, " 
Louisville, " 

Shippingport, through 

the canal, 2J— 

New Albany, Ind., H- 
Salt River, Ky., 23- 

Northampton, Ind., 18- 
Leavenworth, " 17- 
Fredonia, " 2- 



8- 

7- 

15- 

12- 



Miles. 



-489 
-491 
-49.3 
-501 
-503 
-521 

-532 
-540 
-555 

-567 
-575 

-582 
-595 
-609 

61 U 
-613 
-636 
-654 
-671 
-673 



Miles. 
Rome, Ind., 32—705 

Troy, " 25—730 

Rockport, " 16—746 

Owenburg, Ky., 12 — 758 

Evansville, Ind., 36 — 794 
Henderson, Ky., 12—806 

Mount Vernon, Ind., 28—834 
Carthage, Ky., 12-846 

Wabash river, " 7—853 

Shawneefown, 111., 11 — 864 
Mouth of Saline, « 12—876 
Cave in Rock, " 10—886 
Golconda, " 19—905 

Smithland, mouth of 
the Cumberland ri- 
ver, Ky., 10 
Paducah, mouth of 
the Tennessee ri- 



ver, Ky., 13- 

Caledonia, 111., 31- 

Trinity, mouth of 

Cash river. 111., 10- 

MOUTH OF THE OhIO 

River, 6 



—915 

-928 
-959 

-969 

—975 



Persons who wish to visit Indianopolis will stop at 
Madison, Indiana, and take the stage conveyance. Fronn 
Louisville, by the way of Vincennes, to St. Louis by 
stage, every alternate day, two hundred and seventy-three 
miles, through in three days and a half. Fare, seventeen 
dollars. Stages run from Vincennes to Terre Haute and 
other towns up the Wabash river. At Evansville, Indiana, 
stage lines are connected with Vincennes and Terro Haute; 
and at Shawneetown twice a week to Carlyle, Illinois, 
where it intersects the line from Louisville to St. Louis. 
From Louisville to Nashville by steamboats, passengers 
land at Smithland at the mouth of Cumberland river, un- 
less they embark direct for Nashville. 

In the winter^ both stage and steamboat lines are uncer- 
tain and irregular. Ice in the rivers frequently obstructs 
28 



326 APPENDIX. 

navigation, and high waters and bad roads sometimes pre- 
vent stages from running regularly. 

Farmers who remove to the West from the Northern 
and Middle States, will find it advantageous, in many iii- 
stances, to remove with their own teams and wagons. 
These they will need on their arrival. Autumn, or from 
September till November, is the favorable season for this 
mode of emigration. The roads are then in good order, 
the weather usually favorable, and feed plenty. People of 
all classes, from the Stales south of the Ohio river, remove 
with large wagons, carry and cook their own provisions, 
purchase their feed by the bushel, and invariably encamp 
out at night. 

Individuals who wish to travel through the interior of 
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, &c., will find that 
the most convenient, sure, economical and independent 
mode is on horseback. Their expenses will be from sev- 
enty-five cents to one dollar fifty cents per day, and they 
can always consult their own convenience and pleasure as 
to time and place. 

Stage fare is usually six cents per mile, in the West. 
Meals, at stage-houses, are thirty-seven and a half cents. 

Steam Boat Fare, including Meals. 

From Pittsburg to Cincinnati, $ 10 

" Cincinnati to Louisville, 4 

" Louisville to St. Louis, 12 

And frequently the same from Cincinnatti to St. Louis,— 

varying a little, however. 

A rfecA: passage, as it is called, may be rated as follows: — 
From Pittsburg to Cincinnati, $ 3 

" Cincinnati to Louisville, 1 

" Louisville to St. Louis, 4 

The deck for such passengers is usually in the midship, 
forward of the engine, and is protected from the weather. 
Passengers furnish their own provisions and bedding. 
They often take their meals at the cabin table, with the 
boat hands, and pay twenty-five cents a meal. Thousands 



APPENDIX. 327 

pass up and down the rivers as deck passengers, especi- 
ally emigrating families, who have their bedding, provis- 
ions and cooking utensils on board. 

The whole expense of a single person from New York 
to St. Louis, by the way of Philadelphia and Pittsburg, 
with cabin passage on the river, will rangej between ^40 
and $ 45; — time from twelve to fifteen days. 

Taking the transportation lines on the Pennsylvania 
canal, and a deck passage in the steam-boat, and the ex- 
penses will range between ,^20 and ^25, supposing the 
person buys his meals at twenty-five cents, and eats twice 
a day. If he carry his own provisions, the passage, &c., 
will be from ^15 to ^18. 

The following is from an advertisement of the Western 
Transportation, or Leech's line, from Philadelphia: — 





Miles. 


Fare to Pittsburg, 


400 


" Cincinnati, 


900 


" Louisville, 


1050 


" Nashville, 


1650 


" St. Louis, 


1750 



Days. 


Fare. 


6^ 


$ 6 00 


8i 


8 50 


9^ 


9 00 


13| 


13 00 


14 


13 00 



The above does not include meals. 

Packet-hoats for Cabin Passengers, {same line.) 

Wiles. Days. Fare. 

Fare to Pittsburg, 400 5 $ 7 00 

" Cincinnati, 900 8 17 00 

" Louisville, 1050 9 19 00 

" Nashville, 1650 13 27 00 

" St. Louis, 1750 13 27 00 

Emigrants and travellers will find it to their interest 
always to be a little skeptical relative to statements of 
stage, steam and canal-boat agents; to make some allow- 
ance in their own calculations for delays, difficulties and 
expenses; and above all, to /ee/ perfectly patient and in 
good humor with themselves, the officers, company, and 
the world, even if they do not move quite as rapidly, and 
fare quite as well as they desire. 



328 APPENDIX. 



EMIGRATION. 



While on this subject, we would say, for the benefit of 
those who have determined on coming to the West, that 
the State of Illinois offers every possible inducement to 
emigrants. This State is advancing rapidly in population, 
and when her public works, which are progressing- with 
all possible speed, are completed, and in successful ope- 
ration, she will be the admiration of the " far West." 
It being by far the richest State in soil in the Union, of 
course it holds out the greatest prospect of advantage to 
farmers. Here, too, there is plenty of room for farmers, 
there being vast quantities of first rate land lying in every 
direction uncultivated, which may be had very cheap, and 
one acre of it vt'ill produce at least three times as much 
as the same amount of land in most of the eastern States! 

If rural occupations are pleasant and profitable any 
where in our country, they must be peculiarly so in Illi- 
nois, for here the produce of the farmer springs up almost 
spontaneously, less than one-third of the labour being ne- 
cessary on the farms here that is required on the farms in 
the east. Indeed, Illinois may with propriety be callec' 
the " Canaan" of America! 

Industrious mechanics, more particularly brickmakers 
bricklayers and carpenters, are much wanted in the 
various towns in Illinois. We know of no better plac« 
west for a permanent location; and we hope that some of 
those who have been so unfortunate at the east, will come 
on, and mend their broken fortunes in a state where enter- 
prise and industry meet with a sure reward. 



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